OUT December 14, 2012 | Volume X, Issue 14

G ov. O’Malley Licenses to Same-Sex Couples certifying election results “I never thought this day come,” where same-sex marriages are valid. Issued in MD Kim Hinken told Baltimore OUTloud Computer changes in processing and after obtaining the license at the An- recording marriage licenses had to be im- napolis Courthouse. “I really imagined my plemented to reflect “Party 1” and “Party 2” By Steve Charing life being just with a partner and never hav- instead of “Man” and “Woman.” December 6, 2012, became yet another his- ing a wife, so to have this day happen and to In addition, the work in Annapolis re- toric milestone in Maryland’s hard-fought be a part of it, it means everything to us. It mains incomplete on marriage equality. journey for the legalization of same-sex mar- makes me feel really a part of society.” There needs to be a change in the tax law riage. Following Governor Martin O’Malley’s Kim, who is the Planning Committee that allows for joint filing of same-sex cou- certification of election results – a legal re- Chair of the Chesapeake Pride Festival, will ples given that Federal tax law does not quirement that is executed 30 days from likely marry her fiancée Adri Eathorne on permit that based on the 1996 Defense of the election – in which same-sex marriage January 1, but the decision on the date has Marriage Act. was upheld by 52 percent of the electorate not yet been made. The couple has been DOMA has been challenged in several through a referendum known as Question 6, together for over nine years and is living in lower courts and the Supreme Court an- 23 circuit courts throughout the state were Edgewater, Maryland. nounced on December 7 that it will take on freed to issue marriage licenses to same-sex Clerks in several jurisdictions reported the case as well as Proposition 8 in Cali- couples. there weren’t as many licenses sought on fornia. Arguments will likely occur in March Though marriages between same-sex the first day as were expected. Some observ- with a potential ruling in June. couples cannot, by law, take effect until Jan- ers attribute that to couples preferring spring Regardless, there is a general feeling uary 1, Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler nuptials rather than in January. Others say of euphoria among gays and lesbians in issued an opinion that the clerks can provide there was no rush to get them on the first Maryland. “This is a great day for equality the post-dated licenses beginning Decem- day and others may have already obtained and fairness,” an elated Kim Hinken said. ber 6 following the governor’s certification. the licenses in D.C. or in some other location “We’re so excited!” t

I n their hands Supreme Court Takes on Marriage On December 7 the Supreme victories. Court indicated it would hear Human Rights Campaign president Hollingsworth v. Perry, chal- Chad Griffin – who also co-founded the lenging California’s Proposition American Foundation for Equal Rights 8, and the Windsor challenge to (AFER), which is the sole sponsor of the the discriminatory ban on feder- Perry lawsuit – released the following al recognition of same-sex mar- statement: riage known as the Defense of “Today is a milestone day for equal jus- Marriage Act (DOMA). tice under the law and for millions of loving This announcement ended couples who want to make a lifelong com- months of anticipation as to mitment through marriage. The passage whether the cases would make of Proposition 8 caused heartbreak for so their way to the high court for many Americans, but today’s announce- resolution. In doing so, it moves ment gives hope that we will see a land- the hot-button issue of same- mark Supreme Court ruling for marriage sex marriage to the top of the this term. As the Court has ruled 14 times national agenda following a in the past, marriage is a fundamental right year when advocates achieved and I believe they will side with liberty, significant political and legal —continued on page 5 news // LOCAL Del. McIntosh Nominated for MD Person of the Year

Co-Publishers By Steve Charing by popular vote sweetheart sometime next year.” Jim Becker • Jim Williams Delegate Maggie McIntosh equal civil marriage Media reports had indicated that Del. [email protected] (D-43) was selected as rights to all citizens, McIntosh played a vital role in the referen- Executive Editor one of the five nominees and the only state dum campaign in handling the campaign’s Jim Becker [email protected] for the Baltimore Sun’s an- to provide such strategic decision-making. She also report- equity south of the edly asked former Gov. Ehrlich’s chief-of-staff Managing Editor nual Marylander of the Year [email protected] award. Voting occurs on- Mason-Dixon Line. Chip DiPaula to persuade Evan Wolfson, Production Director line, and the paper’s edito- She led the work head of the national organization Freedom to Bob Wellington in the House to Marry, to jump in with monetary support for rial board will consider the Sales Director votes in making the final call pass the law which the campaign, which he did. Mary Taylor as to who wins the honor. respects the civil “The Question 6 win will be one of my [email protected] Del. McIntosh, who and religious rights happiest moments,” McIntosh told Baltimore Leather Columnist represents such northern of all. She then led OUTloud. “It is due to so many talented and Rodney Burger Baltimore neighborhoods the strategy group courageous people in Maryland. I feel blessed Contributing Writers Joey Amato • Sharon Brackett • Cathy Brennan • Rodney Burger • as Charles Village, Waverly, to successfully being just working with them. Joshua Buchbinder • Steve Charing • Jeffrey Claggett • Lauraville and Guilford and Del. Maggie McIntosh credit: Steve Charing pass Question 6 by “The campaign attracted thousands of Jeffrey Clouser • Wayne Curtis • Woody Derricks • Denise R. Duarte • Chuck Duncan • Michael Farley • Jon Fairbanks • Gerry is the chair of the power- popular vote in No- volunteers and donors. I am especially grate- Fisher • Bruce Garrett • Jeff Hammerberg • Dr. Eva Hersh • ful House Environmental vember. Under her ful to my colleagues Luke Clippinger and Rich Shirli Hughes • Sam Kunz • Michelle Lanchester, Esq. • Dana Matters Committee, is facing fellow nominees leadership, the group supporting Question 6 Madaleno who worked daily and long hours LaRocca • Jessica Lemmo • Jay Loane • Rev. Meredith Moise • Bill Palmer • Gregg Shapiro NAACP President Benjamin Jealous, Baltimore included a wide range of coalitions built across toward victory. HRC, SEIU, AFSME, ACLU, Orioles manager Buck Showalter, Olympic partisan, racial and religious lines. Maggie is and Equality Maryland provided the base Graphics champion Michael Phelps and Maryland Gov- the consummate ‘woman of the people’ who funding and so much personnel time that led Joe Velasquez • Bob Wellington ernor Martin O’Malley. She is the only woman respects all and works tirelessly to ensure that to this historic victory.” Cartoonist in the final five. such respect is woven into life for everyone liv- In coming out in October 2001 in a speech Bruce Garrett (www.brucegarrett.com) In nominating Mr. Jealous, Gov. O’Malley ing in Maryland. before the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Photographers and Del. McIntosh, their efforts to secure “The success of Question 6 is a tremendous McIntosh became the first openly gay per- Bruce Garrett • Jay W Photos same-sex marriage through the legislature and achievement for Maryland as a whole, and an son in the state’s legislature. This was the Web Editor Anja Saine successfully defending the measure in a ref- immensely important milestone for Maggie both first time she did so publicly although close [email protected] erendum last month was at least part of the jus- professionally and personally. Recently she friends, family and colleagues were aware. Managed Web Services was described in the media as ‘a 64 year old “It wasn’t a surprise to anyone – everyone al- The Fusio Group tification used. This indicates the significance of 866-322-7498, www.thefusiogroup.com legalizing same-sex marriage in Maryland. lesbian from Kansas’ who is ‘‘business like’ and ready knew,” McIntosh said. “It was the right National Advertising Rep The Sun singled out one of the nominators handles issues with ‘no ego.’ While that may thing to do at that time.” Rivendell Media of McIntosh as Diane Stollenwerk. Her nomina- be true, she is also a wonderfully warm woman At press time Del. McIntosh, a former 908-232-2021 tion was published in the December 5 edition: with a heart of gold who has shared with many Baltimore public school teacher, was solidly Founders “This year, because of Maggie’s leader- friends and family that she is looking forward to in second place, trailing only O’s skipper Buck Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams ship, Maryland became the first state to pass finally being able to marry her life partner and Showalter. t

Baltimore OUTloud PO Box 4887 Baltimore, MD 21211 410-244-6780 www.baltimoreoutloud.com

Additional Information Congratulations Maryland! Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: editor@ baltimoreoutloud.com. All materials appearing in this newspaper are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced Same Sex Marriage is Law! without the written permission of the editor.

Be a part of This History and Participate in Baltimore OUTloud’s 1st Gay Wedding Issue January 11 2013, or be part of the Our Wedding Section. Let Us Know About The Big Day With Pictures and Info and We Will Place It in The Paper. Sent It to [email protected] Let Us Know if You are a Service Provider or Vendor for Weddings The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely those and get a 4 Issue Package Deal for Your Advertising. Call Our Friendly of the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily Sales Staff 410-802-1310 or e-mail [email protected] reflect the views of Pride Media, Ltd., and the staff. © 2012 – All rights reserved or [email protected] for More Information! Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker President – Jim Williams It is Now Our Time to Promote Our Lives Together! Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARD COMMUNITY BULLETIN FREEBOARD Rapid HIV testing Now - Jan. 1 At The Lodge Lounge. Onsite FREE Rapid HIV The Polar Express testing will be provided by the Frederick County FREE Rapid HIV testing Health Department at the Lodge Lounge and Dance Now - Jan.National Aquarium 1 Club, 21614 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD from 8:00 At The Lodge Lounge. Onsite FREE Rapid HIV presents The Polar p.m. – 11:00 p.m. The main number is 301.591.4434. FREE RapidExpress™ 4-D HIV testing Experience. Feel the I GOT testing will be provided by the Frederick County Now - Jan. 1 The Polarsnow fall, Express smell the December 1 & 2 At The Lodgehot Lounge. cocoa in the air, Onsite FREEMYSELF Rapid HIV Health Department at the Lodge Lounge and Dance and watch images NationalTESTED Aquarium The New Wave Singers testing will beleap provided off the screen by the Frederick County Present “A Concert: World AIDS Day.” Baltimore’s Club, 21614 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD from 8:00 The Polar Express this holiday season as presents The Polar gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight Health DepartmentNational Aquarium, at the Lodge LoungeGYTNOW.ORG and Dance (GLBTS) choral group will perform music that p.m. – 11:00 p.m. The main number is 301.591.4434. National Aquarium Baltimore welcomes guests to enjoy the return of Express™ 4-D inspires hope in two concerts to benefit Moveable TheClub, Polar Express 21614 4-D Experience. National This 20 Pike, minute Boonsboro, MD from 8:00 Feast, Maryland’s primary food delivery service show based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott Experience. Feel the December 14 presents The Polar p.m. – 11:00 p.m. The main number is 301.591.4434. for people suffering from AIDS-relatedI illnesses. GOT Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. December 1 First Unitarian Church of Baltimore Vienna Boys Choir Express™ 4-D The Aquarium’s 4-D Immersion Theater brings snow fall, smell the 12 W Franklin St. Balt. December 2 Govans December 1 & 2 Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 George Mason University’s Center For The visitors closer to the sights, sounds, and smells Presbyterian church 5828 YorkMYSELF Rd. Baltimore Experience. Feel the I GOT of the action. The theater is equipped with 4-D hot cocoa in the air, Arts Presents Vienna Boys Choir “Christmas Shows start at 8:00 p.m. EVENT COST: $20 capabilities, which combine the high-definition World AIDS Day In Vienna. This enchanting musical evening Pleasant Hope Baptist Church is observing (50 percent of each ticket will be donated to The New Wave Singers snow fall, smell the dramaDecember of 3-D film with special sensory effects 1 & and2 watch images Moveable Feast); FREE for 17 y. o. and younger features everything from Gregorian chant and such as mist and wind. Viewers are immersed in World AIDS Day 2012 this weekend beginning TESTEDtraditional Christmas carols to popular holiday MYSELF Friday, November 30, 2012 through Sunday, Purchase tickets at www.newwavesingers.org. For hot cocoa in the air, the experience as they follow a doubting young leap off the screen favorites and songs from across the globe. Present “A Concert: World AIDS Day.” Baltimore’s boy as he takes an extraordinary train ride to the December 2, 2012. On Friday, they’ll screen the information, contact any NWS member or e-mail: PBS documentary, ENDGAME: AIDS In Black [email protected] Under longtime Choirmaster Kerem Sezen, the and watch images NorthThe Pole. He embarks New on an epic journeyWave of self- Singersthis holiday season as choir will perform works by Schubert, Haydn, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight TESTED discovery that shows him that the wonder of life America. On Saturday, they’ll host a CLERGY leap off the screen neverPresent fades for those “A who Concert: believe. Shows daily. World ONLY AIDSNational forum onDay.” HIV/AIDS Aquarium, Baltimore’s and advocacy. On December 2 GYTNOW.ORGMozart, Brahms, Beethoven, Britten and even a (GLBTS) choral group will perform music that Times vary National Aquarium, Baltimore 501 E. Sunday, the church will partner with Sisters couple of popular hits by Billy Joel and Freddie PrattBaltimore Street $5 upgrade withwelcomes general admission. guests Together to enjoy And Reaching the (STAR) return to offer FREEof Mercury. This performance is Family Friendly: this holiday season as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgenderedHIV testing during and and after theirstraight 10:00 a.m. Holiday inspires hope in two concerts to benefit Moveable Visit www.aqua.org for tickets. youth through grade 12 are half price when The Polar Express 4-D Experience.worship. The church This address is20 430 minuteE. Belvedere Handmade accompanied by an adult. A pre-performance National Aquarium, GYTNOW.ORG (GLBTS) choral group willAvenue, perform Baltimore, MDmusic 21212. (Near that York Road & Feast, Maryland’s primary food delivery service Crafts discussion, free to ticket holders, begins 45 Nowshow -March based 22 on the inspiringBelvedere and Avenue) beloved For more informationCaldecott contact December 14 Baltimore welcomes guests to enjoy the return of inspires hope in two concerts(410) 435-0851to benefit or [email protected] Moveable Creative Alliance at The minutes prior to the concert on the Center’s for people suffering from AIDS-related illnesses. The Polar Express 4-D Experience. This 20 minute NationalMedal Aquarium children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Patterson. Kids’ Activity while Grand Tier III and is sponsored by the Friends EveryFeast, Friday evening Maryland’s through March 22, primary guests November food delivery 30 service U Shop! Made in Charm City of the Center for the Arts. Tickets are $25, $42 December 1 First Unitarian Church of Baltimore Vienna Boys Choir show based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott enteringThe National Aquarium’s Aquarium, Baltimore 4-D between Immersion Theater brings Decembergifts! No manic mall madness14 and $50 Show starts at 8:00 p.m. The Center for 5 p.m.for and people 8 p.m. (exploring suffering until 9:30 p.m.) from will AIDS-relatedCabaret at the illnesses.Patterson necessary! Kolleen Kilduff and the Arts complex is located on George Mason 12 W Franklin St. Balt. December 2 Govans enjoyvisitors a low admission closer price of $12to as the part of sights, the sounds, and smells Nov. Jill30 Popowich –host an Dec.amazing University’s 2 Fairfax Campus at the intersection George Mason University’s Center For The Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The Creative Alliance hosts an evening World show with clothing, handbags, FridaysDecember After Five program. 1 First UnitarianAIDS Church Day Cabaret ofat the Baltimore Patterson, 3134 Eastern Vienna Boys Choirof Braddock Road and Route 123. Paid parking is Presbyterian church 5828 York Rd. Baltimore of the action. The theater is equipped with 4-D felt accessories, ceramics, located in the Mason Pond Parking Deck adjacent Arts Presents Vienna Boys Choir “Christmas The Aquarium’s 4-D Immersion Theater brings Avenue, Baltimore, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Tickets soaps, kids’ toys, mixed media, amazing jewelry, and 12 W Franklin St. Balt. Decemberare $20 for general 2 publicGovans and $15 for members World AIDS Daythe Concert Hall and FREE parking is located in Shows start at 8:00 p.m. EVENT COST: $20 visitors closer to the sights, sounds, and smells Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 Nowcapabilities, - Dec 23 which combineproceeds the benefit high-definition AIDS Action Baltimore visit greatGeorge art! A diverse Masonmix of indie crafters University’s from across university Center Lot K. For more The information, please In Vienna. This enchanting musical evening Bmore and beyond! Creative Alliance at The Patterson Presbyterian church 5828 Yorkhttp://www.creativealliance.org. Rd. Baltimore visit cfa.gmu.edu. (50 percent of each ticket will be donated to of the action. The theater is equipped with 4-D drama of 3-DMAME! film the musicalwith special sensory effects 3134ArtsPleasant Eastern PresentsAve Baltimore Hope 11: a.m.–5:00Vienna Baptist p.m. Free! BoysChurch Choir is observing “Christmas features everything from Gregorian chant and World AIDS Day Shows startSpotlighters at 8:00 Theatre p.m. EVENT COST: $20 ForWorld the kids while AIDS you shop: our Day free drop-in 2012 arts this weekend beginning Moveable Feast); FREE for 17 y. o. and younger capabilities, which combine the high-definition such as mistPresents and MAME! wind. the ViewersDecember are immersed 1 in workshopIn Vienna. for kids runs 12-3pm. This enchantingDec. musical 14 – Jan. evening 13 (50 percentmusical. of each The musical ticket will be donated to Purchase tickets at www.newwavesingers.org. For traditional Christmas carols to popular holiday Pleasant Hope Baptist Church is observing revolves around the antics Friday, November 30, 2012 through Sunday, drama of 3-D film with special sensory effects the experience as they followWorld a doubting AIDS Day young Decemberfeatures everything 11 from GregorianMixed Doubles chant and favorites and songs from across the globe. World AIDS Day 2012 this weekend beginning Moveable Feast);of Mame Dennis, FREE a fun- forB&O 17 American y. o. Brasserie’s and younger Red Ribbon Happy December 2, 2012. On Friday, Performance they’ll Workshop screen Theatre Presents the Mixed information, contact any NWS member or e-mail: such as mist and wind. Viewers are immersed in boy as he takesloving, wealthy an eccentric extraordinary Hour. In honor train of World rideAIDS Day to and the benefiting Doubles. In time for the Holidays, Performance with a flare for life and a Chase Brexton Health Services, B&O American Unwraptraditional the Magic Christmas carols to popular holiday Under longtime Choirmaster Kerem Sezen, the Purchase tickets at www.newwavesingers.org. For PBS documentary, ENDGAME:Workshop Theatre AIDS presents In Mixed Black Doubles, an [email protected] the experience as they follow a doubting young Friday, November 30, 2012 through Sunday, North Pole.razor He sharp embarks wit. Her life onBrasserie, an epic a Kimpton journey restaurant, is ofgiving self- guests a A Benefit Performance for Pathfinders for Autism information,is suddenly contact changed whenany NWSfeel good memberreason to enjoy a orcocktail e-mail: or two. Hand- andfavoritesAmerica. St. Elizabeth School and On starring Saturday,songs Grammy award-from they’ll acrossexciting, host provocative the a globe.CLERGY entertainment written by choir will perform works by Schubert, Haydn, boy as he takes an extraordinary train ride to the December 2, 2012. On Friday, they’ll screen the discovery shethat becomes shows the guardian him thatcrafted bythe Head wonder Bartender Brendan of Dorr,life with a winning, two-time Tony Award Nominee and eight of England’s finest modern playwrights on PBS documentary, ENDGAME: AIDS In Black [email protected] her late brother’s only portion of the proceeds going to Chase Brexton DukesUnderONLY of Hazzard longtime forum star Tom Wopat. on OneChoirmaster HIV/AIDS night only the comic,and Kerem familiar, advocacy. passionate,Sezen, andOn thesurprising Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven, Britten and even a North Pole. He embarks on an epic journey of self- never fadeschild, for Patrick those Dennis. who believe.Health Services. Shows 4:00 p.m. to 7:00daily. p.m. B&O at Kraushaar Auditorium, on the Goucher College journey following the words, “I do!”, directed America. On Saturday, they’ll host a CLERGY Her adventures take us from the speak-easies of American Brasserie 2 N. Charles Street. campus.choirSunday, Show will start theat 7:30perform churchp.m. and will featureworkswill an partner byby Marc Schubert, Horwitz. with YoungSisters Haydn,love, old love, same December 2 couple of popular hits by Billy Joel and Freddie discovery that shows him that the wonder of life the Timesroaring 20’s tovary the depression National following the Aquarium, Baltimore 501 E. entertaining mix of seasonal and Broadway favorites sex, no sex, harmony, jealousy, desire… Mixed ONLY forum on HIV/AIDS and advocacy. On great Stock Market crash. She is rescued by a Sisters Together & Reaching performedMozart,Together by Wopat Brahms, andAnd his eight Reaching piece Beethoven, band of (STAR)Doubles, Britten celebrates to offer the and courage FREE even it takes toa be in Mercury. This performance is Family Friendly: never fades for those who believe. Shows daily. wealthyPratt Southern Street plantation $5 owner, upgrade marries and withSisters general Together and Reachingadmission. (STAR) is New York City Players. With special appearances by a marriage – any marriage.. Showtimes are 8:00 Holiday is widowedDecember suddenly, and through it all, manages 2 partnering with Dr. Ron Howell and the Collington Sunday, the church will partner with Sisters localcoupleHIV performers testing offrom thepopular Friends during School hits Chamberand by after Billyp.m. ontheir Thursday, Joel 10:00 Fridayand and a.m.Freddie Saturday evenings youth through grade 12 are half price when Times vary National Aquarium, Baltimore 501 E. to keepVisit things www.aqua.orgunder control. With some help for from tickets.Square Non-Profit Corporation in an HIV/STI Choir, the Susquehanna Youth Ballet and the elite and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday matinees. Tickets are her dearest friend, Vera Charles, she helps keep Testing event from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Together And Reaching (STAR) to offer FREE dancersworship. of the EMC PerformanceThe church Arts Studio. address A $22 generalis 430 admission, E. Belvedere $20 for seniors and $15 Handmade Pratt Street $5 upgrade with general admission. things at 3 Beekman Place a rousing free-for-all! Mattie B. Uzzle Outreach Center located at 1211 N. pre-showMercury. VIP reception This hosted by performance Tom Wopat and is Family Friendly: accompanied by an adult. A pre-performance TICKETS are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, andHoliday Chester Street, Baltimore, MD. Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21212.for students (Near and may beYork purchased Road by phoning & HIV testing during and after their 10:00 a.m. B.J. Surhoff, President of Pathfinders for Autism and the Theatre or online. The Theatre is located Visit www.aqua.org for tickets. $16 for military and students. Order online at Orioleyouth Hall of Famethrough player, will begingrade at 6:00PM 12 are half price when Crafts discussion, free to ticket holders, begins 45 World AIDS Day at 5426 Harford Road in Hamilton, Baltimore. worship. The church address is 430 E. Belvedere www.spotlighters.org or call 410.752.1225. Handmade at theBelvedere performance site. KraushaarAvenue) Auditorium For is more information contact Now -March 22Ceremony at City Hall. The Baltimore City accompanied by an adult. ForA reservationspre-performance and more information, located(410) on the 435-0851Goucher College campus or [email protected] 1021 Creative Alliance at The minutes prior to the concert on the Center’s Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21212. (Near York Road & Mayor’s Office and the Baltimore City Health Dulaney Valley Road, Towson,. Tickets may be call the Performance Workshop Theatre Send your information for CraftsDepartment will host a World AIDS Day Ceremony purchaseddiscussion, online at www.pathfindersforautism.org free to ticket holders,Box Office at 410.659.7830begins or 45 visit: www. Patterson. Kids’ Activity while Grand Tier III and is sponsored by the Friends Belvedere Avenue) For more information contact National Aquariumat City Hall and the War Memorial Promenade performanceworkshoptheatre.org ; Now -March 22 upcoming events to from 4:00 p.m. –5:15 p.m. The event is free and or by calling 443-330-5370. Tickets also available at (410) 435-0851 or [email protected] Creativeopen to theAlliance public. at The St.minutes Elizabeth’s School. prior VIP Tickets to $100the General concert on the Center’s U Shop! Made in Charm City of the Center for the Arts. Tickets are $25, $42 [email protected] Friday evening through March 22, guests AdmissionNovember $35 Children 12 and Under $20 30 National Aquarium entering National Aquarium,Patterson. Baltimore Kids’ Activity between while Grand Tier III and is sponsored by the Friends gifts! No manic mall madness and $50 Show starts at 8:00 p.m. The Center for Every Friday evening through March 22, guests November 30 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. (exploringU Shop! until Made 9:30 in Charm p.m.) willCity ofCabaret the Center for at the theArts. TicketsPatterson are $25, $42 necessary! Kolleen Kilduff and the Arts complex is located on George Mason entering National Aquarium, Baltimore between enjoy a low admission gifts!price No of manic$12 as mall part madness of the and $50 Show starts at 8:00 p.m. The Center for Jill Popowich host an amazing University’s Fairfax Campus at the intersection necessary! Kolleen Kilduff and theThe Arts Creative complex Alliance is located hosts anon eveningGeorge WorldMason show with clothing, handbags, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. (exploring until 9:30 p.m.) will Cabaret at the Patterson Fridays After Five program. AIDS Day Cabaret at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern of Braddock Road and Route 123. Paid parking is enjoy a low admission price of $12 as part of the Jill Popowich host an amazing University’s Fairfax Campus at the intersection felt accessories, ceramics, located in the Mason Pond Parking Deck adjacent The Creative Alliance hosts an evening World show with clothing, handbags, Avenue, Baltimore, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Tickets soaps, kids’ toys, mixed media, amazing jewelry, and Fridays After Five program. AIDS Day Cabaret at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern ofare Braddock $20 for general Road andpublic Route and 123.$15 forPaid members parking is the Concert Hall and FREE parking is located in Now - Dec 23felt accessories, ceramics, locatedproceeds in benefit the Mason AIDS Pond Action Parking Baltimore Deck visit adjacent great art! A diverse mix of indie crafters from across university Lot K. For more information, please Avenue, Baltimore, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Tickets soaps, kids’ toys, mixed media, amazing jewelry, and Bmore and beyond! Creative Alliance at The Patterson are $20 for general public and $15 for members MAME! the musical thehttp://www.creativealliance.org. Concert Hall and FREE parking is located in visit cfa.gmu.edu. Now - Dec 23 proceeds benefit AIDS Action Baltimore visit great art! A diverse mix of indie crafters from across university Lot K. For more information, please 3134 Eastern Ave Baltimore 11: a.m.–5:00 p.m. Free! Bmore and beyond! CreativeSpotlighters Alliance at Theatre The Patterson For the kids while you shop: our free drop-in arts http://www.creativealliance.org. visit cfa.gmu.edu. MAME! the musical 3134 Eastern Ave BaltimorePresents 11: a.m.–5:00 MAME! p.m. the Free! December 1 workshop for kids runs 12-3pm. Dec. 14 – Jan. 13 Spotlighters Theatre For the kids while you shop:musical. our free The drop-in musical arts Presents MAME! the December 1 workshop for kids runs 12-3pm.revolves around the antics Dec.World 14 AIDS – Jan. Day 13 Mixed Doubles musical. The musical of Mame Dennis, a fun- B&O American Brasserie’s Red Ribbon Happy December 11 Performance Workshop Theatre Presents Mixed revolves around the antics World AIDS Day loving, wealthy eccentric MixedHour. In honor Doubles of World AIDS Day and benefiting Unwrap the Magic Doubles. In time for the Holidays, Performance of Mame Dennis, a fun- B&O American Brasserie’s Red Ribbon Happy December 11with a flare for life and a ChasePerformance Brexton Workshop Health Services, Theatre B&O Presents American Mixed razor sharp wit. Her life A Benefit Performance for Pathfinders for Autism Workshop Theatre presents Mixed Doubles, an loving, wealthy eccentric Hour. In honor of World AIDS Day and benefiting Doubles.Brasserie, In a Kimptontime for the restaurant, Holidays, is givingPerformance guests a with a flare for life and a Unwrap the Magicis suddenly changed when feel good reason to enjoy a cocktail or two. Hand- and St. Elizabeth School starring Grammy award- exciting, provocative entertainment written by Chase Brexton Health Services, B&O American Workshop Theatre presents Mixed Doubles, an razor sharp wit. Her life Brasserie, a Kimpton restaurant, is giving guests a A Benefit Performance forshe Pathfinders becomes the for guardian Autism crafted by Head Bartender Brendan Dorr, with a winning, two-time Tony Award Nominee and eight of England’s finest modern playwrights on is suddenly changed when feel good reason to enjoy a cocktail or two. Hand- and St. Elizabeth Schoolof starring her late Grammy brother’s award- only exciting,portion of provocative the proceeds entertainment going to Chase written Brexton by Dukes of Hazzard star Tom Wopat. One night only the comic, familiar, passionate, and surprising she becomes the guardian crafted by Head Bartender Brendan Dorr, with a winning, two-time Tony child,Award Patrick Nominee Dennis. and eightHealth of Services. England’s 4:00 finest p.m. modern to 7:00 playwrights p.m. B&O on at Kraushaar Auditorium, on the Goucher College journey following the words, “I do!”, directed of her late brother’s only portion of the proceeds going to Chase Brexton DukesHer adventures of Hazzard take star us Tom from Wopat. the speak-easies One night only of theAmerican comic, Brasseriefamiliar, passionate,2 N. Charles and Street. surprising campus. Show start at 7:30 p.m. and will feature an by Marc Horwitz. Young love, old love, same child, Patrick Dennis. Health Services. 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. B&O atthe Kraushaar roaring 20’s Auditorium, to the depression on the Goucher following College the journey following the words, “I do!”, directed entertaining mix of seasonal and Broadway favorites sex, no sex, harmony, jealousy, desire… Mixed Her adventures take us from the speak-easies of American Brasserie 2 N. Charles Street. campus.great Stock Show Market start atcrash. 7:30 She p.m. is and rescued will feature by a an bySisters Marc Horwitz. Together Young love, & old Reaching love, same performed by Wopat and his eight piece band of Doubles, celebrates the courage it takes to be in the roaring 20’s to the depression following the entertainingwealthy Southern mix of plantation seasonal and owner, Broadway marries favorites and sex,Sisters no Togethersex, harmony, and Reaching jealousy, (STAR) desire… is Mixed New York City Players. With special appearances by a marriage – any marriage.. Showtimes are 8:00 great Stock Market crash. She is rescued by a Sisters Together & Reaching performedis widowed by suddenly, Wopat and and his through eight piece it all, band manages of Doubles,partnering celebrates with Dr. Ronthe courageHowell and it takes the Collington to be in local performers from the Friends School Chamber p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings wealthy Southern plantation owner, marries and Sisters Together and Reaching (STAR) is Newto keep York things City underPlayers. control. With special With some appearances help from by aSquare marriage Non-Profit – any marriage.. Corporation Showtimes in an HIV/STI are 8:00 Choir, the Susquehanna Youth Ballet and the elite and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday matinees. Tickets are is widowed suddenly, and through it all, manages partnering with Dr. Ron Howell and the Collington localher dearest performers friend, from Vera the Charles, Friends sheSchool helps Chamber keep p.m.Testing on eventThursday, from Friday11:00 a.m. and –Saturday 4:00 p.m. evenings at the dancers of the EMC Performance Arts Studio. A things at 3 Beekman Place a rousing free-for-all! Mattie B. Uzzle Outreach Center located at 1211 N. $22 general admission, $20 for seniors and $15 to keep things under control. With some help from Square Non-Profit Corporation in an HIV/STI Choir, the Susquehanna Youth Ballet and the elite and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday matinees. Tickets are pre-show VIP reception hosted by Tom Wopat and her dearest friend, Vera Charles, she helps keep Testing event from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the TICKETS are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and Chester Street, Baltimore, MD. for students and may be purchased by phoning dancers of the EMC Performance Arts Studio. A $22 general admission, $20 for seniors and $15 B.J. Surhoff, President of Pathfinders for Autism and the Theatre or online. The Theatre is located things at 3 Beekman Place a rousing free-for-all! Mattie B. Uzzle Outreach Center located at 1211 N. pre-show$16 for military VIP reception and students. hosted Orderby Tom online Wopat at and Oriole Hall of Fame player, will begin at 6:00PM TICKETS are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and Chester Street, Baltimore, MD. www.spotlighters.org or call 410.752.1225. forWorld students AIDS and may beDay purchased by phoning at 5426 Harford Road in Hamilton, Baltimore. B.J. Surhoff, President of Pathfinders for Autism and the Theatre or online. The Theatre is located at the performance site. Kraushaar Auditorium is $16 for military and students. Order online at Oriole Hall of Fame player, will begin at 6:00PM Ceremony at City Hall. The Baltimore City located on the Goucher College campus at 1021 For reservations and more information, at 5426 Harford Road in Hamilton, Baltimore. www.spotlighters.org or call 410.752.1225. World AIDS Day at the performance site. Kraushaar Auditorium is Mayor’s Office and the Baltimore City Health Dulaney Valley Road, Towson,. Tickets may be call the Performance Workshop Theatre Ceremony at City Hall. The Baltimore City locatedSend on the Goucher your Collegeinformation campus at 1021 for ForDepartment reservations will andhost morea World information, AIDS Day Ceremony purchased online at www.pathfindersforautism.org Box Office at 410.659.7830 or visit: www. Mayor’s Office and the Baltimore City Health callat City the HallPerformance and the War Workshop Memorial Theatre Promenade performanceworkshoptheatre.org ; Dulaney Valley Road, Towson,. Tickets may be from 4:00 p.m. –5:15 p.m. The event is free and or by calling 443-330-5370. Tickets also available at Send your information for Department will host a World AIDS Day Ceremony purchased onlineupcoming at www.pathfindersforautism.org events to Box Office at 410.659.7830 or visit: www. St. Elizabeth’s School. VIP Tickets $100 General at City Hall and the War Memorial Promenade performanceworkshoptheatre.orgopen to the public. ; upcoming events to from 4:00 p.m. –5:15 p.m. The event is free and [email protected] by calling 443-330-5370. Tickets also available at Admission $35 Children 12 and Under $20 open to the public. St. Elizabeth’s School. VIP Tickets $100 General [email protected] Admission $35 Children 12 and Under $20

4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // national Planning a Special Event? Supreme Court against the same-sex marriage ban. Takes on Marriage “We believe it is a strong signal that – continued from front page the Court will reverse the lower courts and Wedding uphold Proposition 8,” Eastman said. “That freedom and equality, moving us toward a is the right outcome based on the law and more perfect union as they have done in based on the principle that voters hold the Anniversary the past. ultimate power over basic policy judgments “Proposition 8 has already been de- and their decisions are entitled to respect.” Engagement or … clared unconstitutional in Federal Dis- Still, LGBT advocates expressed opti- trict Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of mism that the Supreme Court has decided Appeals. Now the Supreme to take up the Prop 8 Just a Holiday Party Court has an opportunity to do “We believe it is case and has the op- the same and send a resound- portunity to rule against We have the ing message of hope to LGBT a strong signal California’s same-sex young people from coast to marriage ban once and space for you … coast that they have the same that the Court for all. dignity and same opportuni- will reverse the Evan Wolfson, Private Entrance ties for the future as everyone founder and president of Plenty of FREE Parking else. I believe our cherished lower courts Freedom to Marry, said constitutional principles will and uphold in a statement: “With the $200.00 for the first 4 hours. win the day and that the court clock now ticking on Su- Call Tom at the Quest will uphold the fundamental Proposition preme Court rulings in for more information. right that all Americans can 2013, it is more urgent marry the one they love. 8. That is the than ever that we make “We are also thrilled that right outcome the same strong case for the pernicious and ridiculous- the freedom to marry in 3607 FLEET STREET Check us out ly named Defense of Marriage based on the court of public opin- Act will have its day in court. I ion that our advocates BALTIMORE, MD 410-563-2617 on Facebook am confident that the Justices law and the are making in the courts AMPLE PARKING • ATM AVAILABLE www.questbarbaltimore.com will find this law patently un- of law.” constitutional and the federal principle that Several more states government will get out of the voters hold are likely to consider business of picking which allowing same-sex mar- marriages it likes and which it the ultimate riages in 2013. To that doesn’t. point, Carrie Evans, “The real heroes today power over executive director of are the brave plaintiff couples basic policy Equality Maryland, told who willingly put their lives on Baltimore OUTloud, trial in order to secure pro- judgments.” “Taking these cases pro- tections for their families and vides the opportunity for others like them. Our country the Supreme Court to owes a debt of gratitude to Kris Perry and continue on the wave of national momen- Sandy Stier along with Jeff Zarrillo and tum supporting equality for all families.” Paul Katami, Edie Windsor and the rest of Nine states and the District of Colum- the couples, individuals, and organizations bia now permit same-sex marriages, and that stood up to discrimination. The Perry a decision against California’s ban would case also showed that the old partisan di- add the tenth and largest state. A ruling vides are crumbling with the legal team of against DOMA could lead to a surge in Ted Olson and David Boies coming togeth- same-sex marriages in all those states be- er in arguing the case. cause of the lifting of the federal ban. t Some were disappointed that the court will take up the Perry case because they hoped justices would decline to hear the litigation and allow a U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision striking down the mea- sure to stand. John Eastman, chair of the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage, said the decision of the Supreme Court to take up the Prop 8 lawsuit suggests justices are poised to reverse decisions from lower courts BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker fairs Johnnie] Carson was also in Uganda (a bear), Quinton Link (a twink), Bethann over the weekend. He had a chance to Phetamine (drag), Charlie Harding and raise again our concerns about this issue, partner Scotty Rage (adult porn and perfor- Nude activists which we’ve been very vocal about.” The mance personalities), Chandler Bearden occupy Boehner’s bill has passed a parliamentary committee, (AIDS activist), Matt Colunga (body build- although it is not known in what form, and er) and Josh Lesser (a Reconstructionist office may pass the full parliament by the end of rabbi). The eclectic group will also travel the year. A similar bill, albeit slightly less to New Orleans, Cleveland, Phoenix, New Washington, D.C. – House Speaker John draconian, is also before the legislature in York, and Las Vegas. Boehner got a glimpse of the naked truth Nigeria. Depending on the show’s success, it as seven AIDS activists occupied the lobby The bill, originally introduced in 2009, resumption of negotiations.” may venture outside the U.S., continuing of his office on November 27 to put for- outlaws all same-sex sexual activity, ex- On the same day that FMCS announced its exploration. Contributions are being ac- ward the dangers of cutting AIDS funding pressions of support for LGBT people and suspension of the talks, the Martin Luther cepted online to fund the project at Indi- to avert the looming “fiscal cliff.” The three more. It would, in its original form, bring the King County Labor Council (MLKCLC) egogo.com/queeracrossamerica (Q Notes death penalty for “repeat offenders.” Some voted to give SPEEA strike sanction in the Online – Lainey Millen at Q-notes.com) reports had come out that the death pen- event negotiations break down. Boeing set alty had been removed, but that was un- off a firestorm on November 21 when it clear. “They’ve been a little bit close-hold informed SPEEA negotiators that it would Free speech or about this, partly because there’s been so not offer same-sex spouses the same pen- much controversy in the international com- sion survivor benefits given to opposite- fraud? Ex-gay munity,” Nuland said. “So our concern is sex spouses – despite the passage of agency sued about any criminalization of homosexual- Referendum 74, which granted equal legal ity, obviously.” standing to same-sex marriages in Wash- Newark, NJ – The Southern Poverty Law “As we have regularly said, we call on ington. Survivor benefits allow retired Boe- Center, joined by the law firms of Cleary the parliament in Uganda to look very care- ing employees to provide financial support Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Lite De- women and four men had the words “AIDS fully at this, because Uganda’s own human for their spouses even after they have Palma Greenberg filed a lawsuit Novem- cuts kill” emblazoned on their flesh. rights council has made clear that if this died. SPEEA charges that Boeing wants ber 27 against The three women were arrested af- were to pass, it would put the country out to eliminate all defined-benefit pensions, Jews Offering ter the demonstration by Capitol police, of compliance with its own international beginning with new hires, and eventually New Alterna- although the men appeared to have left. human rights obligations,” she continued. terminate its pension program altogether. tives for Heal- As Congressional leaders and President “And so Assistant Secretary Carson had a Boeing negotiators walked out of talks No- ing (JONAH), Barack Obama negotiate ways to avoid au- chance to make that point again and our vember 29 as SPEEA was presenting a its founder, Ar- tomatic budget cuts that take effect in Jan- strong opposition to this, to the president, pension proposal. Talks reconvened with a thur Goldberg uary, the concern is that social and health to the parliament, and to key decision mak- federal mediator on December 4. (Seattle and a coun- services may get thrown under the bus. ers in Uganda.” (Gay People’s Chronicle at Gay News – Mike Andrew at Sgn.org) selor, Alan The protest against that possibility Gaypeopleschronical.com) Downing, for was organized by ACT UP New York, ACT peddling con- UP Philadelphia, Housing Works and the version thera- A rthur Goldberg Student Global AIDS Campaign as a way Still no deal at NC photographer py services, a “to give Congress a pre-World AIDS Day dangerous and discredited practice that message that AIDS budget cuts kill.” (Gay Boeing on benefits launches ‘Queers fraudulently claims to convert people from People’s Chronicle ay Gaypeopleschron- for gay couples gay to straight. The lawsuit was filed in the ical.com) across America’ Superior Court of New Jersey. Seattle, WA – Contract negotiations be- Atlanta, GA – North Carolina photographer The suit alleges that the defendants vi- tween Boeing and SPEEA, the union that Keith Bailey has launched his cross-coun- olated New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act U.S. diplomats urge represents 23,000 Boeing engineers and try journey “Queer Across America,” with through fraudulent and deceptive claims Uganda to reject technical workers, were suspended De- the pilot shooting taking place in Augusta, that their counseling services could cure cember 5 without agreement over pension Ga. on Dec. 8. The three-day filming will be ‘kill gays’ bill survivor benefits for spouses of the compa- followed by other filming in Atlanta before ny’s Gay and Lesbian employees. George Christmas and then up to Charlotte, N.C., Kampala, Uganda – American diplo- H. Cohen, director of the Federal Media- in January, ProjectQAtlanta.com reports. A mats met with Ugandan leaders over the tion and Conciliation Service (FMCS), said group of highly diverse gay men “visit gay These news notes have been compiled, Thanksgiving talks would not resume until January. and decidedly with permission, from the online version weekend to “At the request of the Federal Media- un-gay sites, at- of various newspapers and other web urge them to re- tion and Conciliation Service, negotiations tend events, do sites. We thank these publications for ject a “kill gays” between The Boeing Company and the So- charity work, and allowing us to bring you their news sto- bill before par- ciety of Professional Engineering Employ- educate them- ries. Usually the reports have been sig- liament. State ees in Aerospace (SPEEA), IFPTE Local selves and oth- nificantly edited and you can read the Department 2001, are being suspended until after the ers about gay life full story by going to the web site men- spokesperson first of the year,” FMCS said in a state- in America. tioned following the item. Comments Victoria Nuland ment. “Both sides agreed to this mediator Among the are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker told a November 26 press briefing that As- request. In the interim, the FMCS will be members of the and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride sistant Secretary of State for African Af- in discussion with the parties to schedule troupe are Bailey Media.

6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway news from the keystone state customers of being gay. These fraudulent and must be met with forceful opposition. Equality PA to recognize his absolute need to work and deceptive claims include so-called sci- While the analysis of this brief focuses through this transition with his family, close entific methods invented by Joseph Nico- specifically on the recent actions by the associates and friends. losi, founder of the National Association of Pflugerville Independent School District, Endorses We also want to recognize his now Research and Therapy of Homosexuality we believe a similar analysis of any other unique role as an openly gay legislator. (NARTH), the leading secular organization political subdivisions engaged in the same Amway Boycott While we have no interest in delving into promoting conversion therapy. government action in Texas would result in the personal lives of the members of Penn- The lawsuit is the first of its kind to di- the same conclusions highlighted in this On August 3, 2012, Rights Equal Rights sylvania’s General Assembly, we do have rectly sue a conversion therapy provider brief. We trust that the foregoing analysis launched a global boycott of Amway/Alti- an interest in their records. Rep. Fleck has for fraudulent practices. It describes how will be helpful to you in that endeavor.” cor and all its divisions a very scant record of the plaintiffs – four young men, three of The Pflugerville school board is set to and family owned busi- support for issues sur- whom are New York residents, and two of reconsider the district’s decision to offer nesses because of its rounding LGBT equal- their parents – were lured into JONAH’s DP benefits on Dec. 13. t (Dallas Voice – president and company ity. We certainly hope services through deceptive commercial John Wright at Dallasvoice.com) owner Doug DeVos’s that in the coming days practices. (Q-Notes Online at Q-notes. $500,000 contribution we can work with him com) to the National Organi- to change that fact, AN HEIRLOOM zation (NOM) for Mar- and that he can help us riage. This contribution move forward a state IN THE MAKING recently came to light from the federal IRS that does very little to protect or support Texas anti-gay A fair trade wedding gift registry celebrates hope, respect LGBT Pennsylvanians, just like him. and love—a meaningful way to start your new life together. 990 tax filing of the Doug and Maria DeVos group files suit Foundation. On issues of LGBT equality, there is Adrian Shanker, president of Equality plenty of work to do and we will welcome against DP benefits Pennsylvania, remarked, “This isn’t small Rep. Fleck in helping us make progress. These developments are a Phoenician change, this is a $500,000 contribution to Dallas, TX – The anti-gay Texas Values Glass Carafe, $68 support an organization fighting against welcome moment. HANDCRAFTED IN group, along with the Alliance Defending WEST BANK equality. We proudly stand in support of We will sup- Freedom, filed a “Memorandum of Law” last this boycott because Amway has a pres- port Rep. Fleck week explaining why the group believes ence in Penn- as he moves that DP ben- sylvania, and through his efits offered on behalf of our personal jour- by Pflugerville 50,000 mem- ney and reach Independent bers across the out to him too School District state, we want Amway to know that we when it comes violate state are watching when they fund discrimina- time to find posi- law. “PISD’s tory organizations like NOM.” tive solutions to im- attempt to cre- Equality Pennsylvania is the first state prove the lives of the ate and recognize a legal status similar to equality organization to endorse the cam- thousands of LGBT Pennsylvanians he marriage, and to grant to cohabiting per- paign. Fred Karger, director of Rights both represents and serves in the General sons legal benefits otherwise granted only Assembly. t TEN THOUSAND Equal Rights, responded, “We hope that to spouses of a marriage, should be rec- VILLAGES ® our endorsement of the Amway Boycott ognized for what it is – a clear violation of GIFTS THAT GIVE TWICE* will lead to more support by other state both the Texas Constitution and the Texas A Fair Trade Retailer. equality organizations and our many allies Family Code,” Texas Values wrote in the 1621 Thames Street, Fells Point as we fight for the freedom to marry across (410) 342-5568 • Open 7 Days a Week memorandum. this country.” t www.tenthousandvillages.com “This cynical and brazen attempt to For more info visit Boycottamway.com. flout the will of Texas voters and their Contact us to arrange a personalized democratically elected representatives by consultation for your Gift Registry administrative fiat should not be tolerated, selection. Online registry also available. PA State Rep Music by The Master Mike Fleck Comes Out

Gary Schwartz On December 1, Pennsylvania Represen- Music to personalize your special day. Before, tative Mike Fleck (R-81st District) faced the during and after the ceremony Gary will help you world as an openly gay man. He took the set the mood. A Themed wedding? ... Renaissance, first step in the journey of living an authen- tic life. As Pennsylvania’s statewide LGBT Medieval, Victorian or whatever your Personal political advocacy organization, Equality Style, Gary has Music to Fit Every Wish. Pennsylvania salutes his honesty and in- tegrity in making this important move. We You can contact Music by The Master at: 301.639.6479, know this to be a deeply personal moment [email protected] or go to www.musicbythemaster.com for any gay person, and we first off want Rep. Mike Fleck

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 The president prevailed. There are al- ic and less dogmatic. most as many reasons why Mr. Romney The era of Lee Atwa- lost (and why Mr. Obama won) as there ter’s cozy relationship are people offering them. We can parse with the religious right in the exit polling, analyze demographics, the 1980’s to gain Re- OUT compare the technological advantages the publican votes and Karl Spoken Obama team had in the get-out-the-vote Rove’s use of social Steve Charing efforts and the miscues of the challenger wedge issues (i.e. “gay and still not have the full picture. marriage”) in the 2000’s But one factor that is emerging is that to strip votes away from there is an internal struggle within the Re- Democrats may be com- A Ray of Hope publican Party between the doctrinaire ing to a close. ideologues and the pragmatists, with the For that to happen, When President Obama was re-elected latter projecting long-term doom for the the Tea Party must last month, it not only set up another four GOP unless it softens its hard-line stances weaken and more prag- years of the most pro-LGBT president in on such issues as immigration, women’s matic conservatives U.S. history but it also sent a cold splash rights, and same-sex marriage. must replace them. of water streaming down the faces of the Speaking from the pragmatist side of Abortion, contracep- Republican Party as a stern wake-up call, the GOP, veteran Republican consultant tives and same-sex particularly in presi- Mike Murphy in marriage would have to dential politics. The a recent piece be taken off the table. post-mortems con- “The country’s continued in Time maga- Republicans must try tinue among GOP movement towards zine wrote, “The to persuade voters with operatives and poli- alternative is a their brand of economic ticians as to how support for same-sex more secular conservatism, not social they managed to and modern- dogma. snatch defeat from marriage is not only izing conser- the jaws of victory. a signal for the GOP vatism that Enter the Supremes In President eschews most LGBT folks could Obama, this was faithful to hop on the social issues to stand to benefit should one of the most vul- focus on creat- such a radical transfor- nerable incumbents rainbow bus, but it could ing a wide-open mation ever take place. in recent memory. also provide a critical opportunity so- The country’s continued He was the steward ciety that prom- movement towards sup- of a slow-to-recover social backdrop as the ises greater port for same-sex mar- economy with unem- right-leaning Supreme economic free- riage is not only a signal ployment hovering dom and the for the GOP faithful to around 8 percent. Court hears arguments reform of gov- hop on the rainbow bus, There were reports ernment in- but it could also provide that his base was in March on the Prop 8 stitutions like a critical social backdrop as the right- but not impossible, that progress could fi- nowhere as enthu- and DOMA cases.” schools that are leaning Supreme Court hears arguments nally be made on an all-inclusive Employ- siastic as his sup- vital to upward in March on the Prop 8 and DOMA cases. ment Non-Discrimination Act, for example. porters were during social mobility.” The question of the validity of same-sex Lawmakers can observe that the repeal of the historic run in 2008. His rival’s backers Even the big funders are frustrated, says marriage will finally be answered. Some ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in 2010 did not re- were hell-bent on defeating Mr. Obama, Murphy, because of the “party’s perceived have already dubbed this the gay rights sult in any negative impact on the military’s very motivated, and thanks to the Su- focus on divisive social issues.” equivalent of Roe v. Wade. readiness, unit cohesion or effectiveness. preme Court’s ruling on the Citizens Unit- If the Republicans are serious about Legal experts have agreed that the More to the point, there was little outcry ed case, unlimited amounts of big money remaining a viable force at the national Supreme Court considers public opinion from the citizens when the nefarious law were raised to defeat the president. level it will need to become more pragmat- in their deliberations. The trend is going was finally repealed. From All of Us at Baltimore OUTloud, We Wish You Happyin the right direction. Obviously the young One thing is for certain, any action voters of today will be participating in more on ENDA or the Congressional repeal of From All& of Safe Us at Holidays! Baltimore Thank OUTloud, You AllWe for Wish a Wonderful You Happy 2011 elections than older conservative citizens. DOMA known as the Respect for Marriage So when a recent Gallup poll indicated Act will not take place until the Supreme & Safe Holidays!& We LookThank Forward You All tofor Seeing a Wonderful You in 20112012! that a whopping 73 percent in the 18-29 Court decides on the Prop 8 and DOMA age group support same-sex marriage, that cases. As soon as the news broke about & We Look Forward to Seeing You in 2012! should send a strong signal as to how so- the Supreme Court’s acceptance of the 2013 ciety is changing as well as the other data cases, activists from all over the country showing increasing support from the gener- believed that the days of DOMA are about al population. The Justices will also be cog- to come to an end. The Prop 8 situation is nizant of the three states that voted for mar- more questionable because the Court can riage equality and one which turned back a rule against Prop 8 but narrowly or its rul- constitutional amendment at the ballot box. ing can have a broader impact. Congress’ movement on social mat- If either or both turn out to be favor- ters tend to lag behind the general public; able, the good news is expected to be therefore, political considerations for elec- delivered in June – just in time for most toral politics notwithstanding, it is unlikely, of the U.S. to celebrate Gay Pride. t 8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com 1633 S. Charles Street - Federal Hill • 410-468-0550 A Traditional Baltimore Tavern Yet Upscaled and Eclectic It Is No Secret The Tree Welcomes All, That Is Your Game Friday Night December 14th Hit The Tree For Its Annual Christmas Party KArAoKe • GueST PerFormerS As Always The Tree Offers The Best Bang For Your Buck, Compare Our Drinks Any Day. Holiday Giving Basket of exceptional Cheer, raffle Benefits Dog rescue of mD Drop off Toys For Pediatrics Aids Drop off Food For The Needy Rowan Tree will be closed on Christmas Day so the Staff can spend the day with their Families New Years Eve & New Years Day = One Party • Doors open at Noon & Close 2:00 am on Jan. 2nd • early Bird 2-4-1 Special (5:00-10:00) • Karaoke Starts at 10:00 and Lasts As Long As You Last • midnight Champagne Toast • 2:00 am Chow Time To Give You Staying Power • 4:00 am Happy Hour Prices Kick In to Noon on the 1st Always Free Off Street Parking At The Tree

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 initially encouraged me to seek out and explore things, I think with hope that I would be “cured” somehow. I was relative- ly lucky that my “blood” relatives seemed to be willing to give me a chance; my kids Rational did the same. My ex did not. And so that is T-hought what brings me back to the holidays. Sharon Brackett We all know how stressful holiday time can be. There are myriad stories out there about depression, and issues people may The Holidays have including attempting suicide. These are amplified in the trans community. Of- ten a trans person may be shunned by to a T family, told not to show up for any fam- As many of you make your preparations for ily events, or that they are an embarrass- holiday events, parties and moments with ment, or that they are being selfish. Some family it is a stark reality that many trans may be recently unemployed, and so gifts folk will do none of those things. You see it are impossible. Others may have lost the is a pretty common that when a trans per- friends they had or personal relationships son comes out they do so at great risk. Of- and marriages may have crumbled. The ten those who do not understand will make holidays for many trans folk are lonely, assumptions based on fear and a lack of cold and solitary. It is indeed a sad situ- understanding. Family is often a casualty ation. of coming out and/or tran- There have been occa- sition. “My standing sions in the past few years A trans person’s com- where I learned that a per- ing out is fundamentally comment for son in our community had different than for our tried to end their life. More LGB friends. For those folks I came than likely a glance at the who are not trans it is a out to was, ‘If it calendar will show you a hard thing to accept that date between Thanksgiving this male/female/other seems weird for and New Years. person before them feels According the Nation- they are different than you, imagine al Center for Transgen- the expression they are being me.’” der Equality nearly 41% of currently presenting to transpeople have attempted the world. Whereas in an suicide. Not because they LGB coming out, you are are mentally ill, but because not changing “you” as much as you are they have been ostracized from society revealing a detail, or some knowledge, or family and see no other option before about you. You are still you. I remember them. I dread this time of year. What having a person tell me upon coming out should be happy celebrations often have “Couldn’t you just be gay?” as if that was a cloud over them. Even in my own house more acceptable than being trans. In com- I will never know that pleasant sense of a ing out as LGB you do not have to ask whole family breaking bread together for a friends, family and co-workers to call you holiday meal. That is gone forever, and the by a new name, or alter pronouns, or to best I can manage today is a facsimile of accept your new manner or dress what- it with friends and only some of my family. ever that may be. One thing that we have done as a Trans persons often alter all of those community in Baltimore to warm these things and ask for consideration from days is to have an annual pot luck Holi- others. My standing comment for folks day Gathering at the GLCCB sponsored I came out to was, “If it seems weird for by the Gender Identity Groups. This year you, imagine being me.” And the problem is no exception. For many this event is is many cannot imagine being me. As a their holiday celebration as they are of- result for some, friends are lost, co-work- ten not welcome elsewhere. The event ers make the workplace miserable and will be held December 22 at the GLCCB, family excises them, often at the urging of 241 West Chase Street in Baltimore start- clergy. It happens. And frequently. Some ing at 8 p.m. Friends, family and allies are of that happened to me. welcome. Bring a dish if you can, and if I’m not saying that coming out is easy you cannot then just bring yourself. We for anybody, I am saying for trans folk it is always have too much food. merely different. For me it was the most And if you know a trans person, you stressful time of my life. My marriage of might ask them how they are doing these 20-plus years did not survive. It was on holidays by seeking an answer a bit deep- the rocks well before I began exploring er than just “I’m fine.” Give them a hug too options regarding transition. My spouse for good measure. t 10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com Journeys FAITH // SPIRIT CORNER ‘The Best Real Trans Talk: friends and family, no more gifts that after a while get tossed aside, used up and all new anxieties and questions. Present Ever’ too quickly forgotten. This year, I am go- Filtered Water What does God have to say? ing to give the gift of my time and service Is his current life a lie? How by Shirli Hughes to those I love. Not only will this not cost by Vann Millhouse does this affect his wife, chil- As the holidays rapidly approach, I have much but I believe that if I do it correctly, “I think I’m trans.” The words came out just dren, and the future they mapped out together? found myself reflecting on the various I will have the sacred opportunity to be like that! In their mind, but never outside of He does not question if she loves him, but she ways in which we celebrate, Christmas, “present” to those I love in a unique and the therapists office. A simple realization with surely didn’t bargain for this when they married Hanukkah, Kwanza, other types of sacred meaningful way. so many implications, they prayed for under- in Canada seven years ago. By the way, how and special traditions. As I think about As I prayerfully assess what’s going on standing and confirmation. There had to be does all of this ‘transgender stuff’ work in his these seemingly different celebrations, in the lives of those I care about, I’ve made an explanation, a clear cut linear reason for late 30s, in the middle of living a ‘regular’ life? I am struck by the one thing that they all a list of some ways in which I think I can being ‘this way.’ A heavy burden now form- An African-American assigned female, have in common, the giving and receiving give the “gift” of time and service. Spend ing in their chest, they now must accept the identifying as an African-American male, liv- of gifts. But this year, I have decided to not an afternoon or evening with my elderly new reality and all of its excitement. Their ing on the Mason-Dixon Line, raising two buy anyone anything at all. neighbor, who I know is alone and lone- dark world became a bit brighter and he was girl children with his lesbian wife who said, “I Trust me, the idea of not buying gifts ly. Deliver a meal to a friend who’s in the able to put some of the puzzle pieces of his knew I didn’t have a wife at about the two- or for anyone is a radical thought for me, middle of chemotherapy and is too tired to past together. Buried transgender secrets three-year mark of our marriage.” It all began as well as an extreme departure from my cook for her family. Baby-sit for an evening began to emerge from the split physical and to make sense. Replaying some of their past “norm,” because the only thing that I like for two young friends who have recently mental existence of childhood. Small win- conversations he realized their dialogue often better than shopping for “shiny and spar- become parents so that they can have a dows opened, giving the little boy fresh air to explored gender matters regarding his own self kly things” for myself is the joy of shopping night out. breathe, inviting him to sit on life’s porch. Yet, perception, walking away from TV programs for “shiny and sparkly” things for my loved These are simple things that I hope will when he ran into the house for a snack, as feeling an unexplainable connection to the in- ones. So the notion of not going to the have more meaning than a scarf, tie, gift little people do, he remembered that formation shared. He mustered up enough mall and joining the wild and crazed herd card, ever could. I encourage and chal- he had a family. The window clos- guts to ‘come out’ to his wife, he did of holiday shoppers is totally against ev- lenge you to come up with yourAdvent own & list Christmas of at es, the curtains are drawn and not know what the future held but erything I hold dear. I take my participation meaningful “gifts” that you can use to show they return to those who love he knew he could no longer carry in wanton consumerism very seriously and the ones you love just how muchGrace youUnited love Methodist Church him unconditionally. Eventu- this revelation. Lying in her lap, therein lay the problem. I realize that I’ve and care about them. If you Adventtake and this Christmas path, at Grace ally the aromas of his soul feeling scared, and prepared for got too much “stuff”! And most of the peo- I would love to hear from youWorship about 8:30 a.m. andyour 10 a.m. each Sunday December 16 Children’s Christmas Pageant 10 a.m. found their way, connecting the ultimate rejection, “I think I’m ple I know have too much “stuff” as well! experiences. Maybe this year, you can December 17 Holiday Caroling for AIDS patients at Johns Hopkins Hospital with his spirit, allowing the trans.” His wife confidently and This holiday, I’ve promised myself that I give someone you love, theDecember “best 19present Dark Night Service of Hope and Healing 7 p.m. t little boy’s memories of his calmly said, “I know.” “Why didn’t am not going to buy any more “stuff” for my ever!” December 24 Service for Families and Children 4 p.m. Festive Service with Choir, Sermon, and Candles 8:30 p.m. former self to permeate every you tell me?!” he exclaimed. “That December 25 Christmas Day Worship 11 a.m. crevice of his life. was up to you to find out. For you For questions, please call Grace for Rev. Nancy Webb.

Recalling that it took 29 to realize,” smiling in a nurturing tone. A Reconciling Congregation with Open years to realize and acknowledge Exhaling, he shared some of his fears A Different Hearts, Open Minds, And Open Doors the deepest part of their being, ‘she’ and hopes and the conversation continued Grace United Methodist Church was a ‘female’ attracted to women. Reuniting for weeks and months. Advent & Christmas at 5407 N. Charles Street at Northern Parkway Baltimore, MD 21210 • 410-433-6650 with their first serious ‘girl crush’ they remi- She encouraged him to find out how to December www.graceunitedmethodist.org nisce about when they ‘agreed’ to come out start the physical process, and change his Grace United Methodist Church as a lesbian couple to their families. Feel- name. They both talked about the children ing validated by their six-year friendship and and devised a plan to ‘come out’ to their Grace UnitedAdvent Methodist and Christmas Church presentsat Grace on Wednesday December fresh, five-month relationship, they laughed teenager readying for junior prom and their 19th at 7:00Worship p.m. 8:30 in a.m.our andSanctuary, 10 a.m. each “A Sunday Different December” to self because they did not uphold their end elementary school-aged daughter, who of the bargain and came out several weeks said, “I don’t know what it feels like to have Are you feelingDecember lost, 16lonely, Children’s overwhelmed, Christmas Pageant distant 10 a.m. from relatives or later. The ‘great outing’ sparked family partial- a man in the house.” Inquiring, “Will you still friends, or justDecember need a place17 Holiday and Caroling a time for to AIDS take patients a pause at Johns this Hopkins holiday Hospital ity, and at this moment he felt a since of pride have time for me?” As the start date moved and hope because his marriage and children closer, the honeymoon period had worn off. season? This Decemberworship experience 19 Dark Night is Service designed of Hope for and you.Healing Please 7 p.m. join us are strong and emotionally healthy due to the Friends were leaving and my wife finally for an eveningDecember to remember 24 Service as wefor Families celebrate and Children the Christmas 4 p.m. season way in which they accepted and handled the said, “Is this trans-stuff going to take over anew. ThroughFestive song Service and candlelight, with Choir, Sermon, we will and travelCandles through8:30 p.m. an evening challenge. That situation mandated the couple our lives?” “What does this mean for me?” of thoughtful Decembermeditation 25 on Christmas what this Day seasonWorship 11 truly a.m. means. Join us to lay a fortified foundation consisting of solid, Trying to keep the boat afloat and reassure hear the messageFor questions, of Christmas please call in Grace a new for Rev. way. Nancy All Webb.are welcome with honest communication, constant evaluation of everyone that nothing will change, every- the relationship, and at all costs to ensure their thing changed within a blink of an eye. The open arms to this event. So please join us, we look forward to seeing children were protected from any harm. Revis- day had arrived, by my side and still excited, you here with us! A Reconciling Congregation with Open iting the ‘coming out’ process again, he knows my wife accompanied me in learning how Hearts, Open Minds, And Open Doors the stakes are higher, he must reveal his true to administer my first injection at 11:30 a.m. Reverend David C. Shank self to his wife of seven years. on August 5, 2011. A quiet celebratory lunch Associate Pastor Grace United Methodist Church Realizing, acknowledging, accepting, and and back home we went. Sitting on the 5407 N. Charles Street at Northern Parkway revealing is the unexplained process of ‘coming sofa and reflecting, the phone rings. It’s my Baltimore, MD 21210 • 410-433-6650 out,’ an evolving life. Internally coming to fully brother, “Hey, just wanted to let you know acknowledge and accept the lifelong feelings of that dad passed away today at 3:30.” It was www.graceunitedmethodist.org being a male and what this means brought on 4:30 p.m., Happy T Day. t

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Let Your Wedding Day Soar! Advent & Christmas at Grace United Methodist Church

 Traditional or Alternative Weddings Advent and Christmas at Grace  Denominational or Non-Denominational Worship 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. each Sunday  And Other Sacred Ceremonies December 16 Children’s Christmas Pageant 10 a.m. Rev. Charles Benz, M.Div. December 17 Holiday Caroling for AIDS patients at Johns Hopkins Hospital A priest of the Episcopal Church for over 30 years December 19 Dark Night Service of Hope and Healing 7 p.m. weddingsbycharles.com 919-321-1169 [email protected] December 24 Service for Families and Children 4 p.m. Festive Service with Choir, Sermon, and Candles 8:30 p.m. rdained edding fficiant December 25 Christmas Day Worship 11 a.m. O W O For questions, please call Grace for Rev. Nancy Webb. Bill strives to • Non-denominational understand your weddings A Reconciling Congregation with Open Hearts, Open Minds, And Open Doors unique needs & create • Secular to spiritual a custom ceremony • Traditional to contemporary Grace United Methodist Church to reflect your values, Bill duffy Part Of the glBt • Multi-cultural 5407 N. Charles Street at Northern Parkway beliefs & life together. cOmmunity fOr & interfaith Baltimore, MD 21210 • 410-433-6650 Over 30 years! 410-202-6444 • [email protected] • www.ceremoniesbybill.com www.graceunitedmethodist.org

12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com Visit us at EmmanuelDowntown.org If You are OUT, then You are IN with Us! “ALL ARE WELCOME!” EmmanuEl God with us St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church all of us 3701 4th Street, Brooklyn, MD 21225 without ExcEption 443-869-5548 sunday sErvicEs Sunday Mass 9:30am and 12:00 Noon 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM A Parish of the New Catholic Church of North America

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All Are Welcome EMM2011_Outloud_Feb.indd 1 1/28/11 11:25 AM St. Bernadette Christmas Eve Roman Catholic Services: Church Our Weekend Mass schedule: Children’s Christmas SATURDAY SUNDAY 5:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m. Pageant with Band Contact Deacon Fred Passauer, Parish Administrator 5:30pm 410-969-2785 801 Stevenson Road - Severn, MD 21144-2208 Candlelight Service 410-969-2783 of Lessons & Carols www.stbernadette.org with Choir & Pipe Organ 8:00pm Christmas Day ComeUnity FellowshipCelebrate ChurchYour Pride of Columbia with us! 11:00am Our Services are held at: Locust Park Neighborhood Center 8995 Lambskin Lane, Columbia, MD 21045 Sundays at 10 a.m. • Rev. Dorothy Harris, Founding Pastor 5828 York Road Contact us to Join our mailing list: [email protected] 410-435-9188 www.ufccolumbia.org www.govanspres.org

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 Lively Arts // OUT ON STAGE // OUT ON ScrEen A Very Tawny Christmas to Benefit Spotlighters Hitchcock

By Steve Charing virtually every stage in the Baltimore re- joyed a triumphant summer-long run in Baltimore native and Obie award winner gion throughout the 1980s before heading Provincetown, MA this year. Makes for a David Drake returns to the Spotlighters to New York and – several years later, in Other New York stage credits include to spice up the holiday season. His drag 1992 – winning an Obie Award for his one- Vampire Lesbians of Sodom (succeeding ‘Good Evening’ persona, starlet Tawny Heatherton, a love- man play The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Charles Busch for 856 performances), ably eccentric showbiz survivor and “one Me, one of the longest-running solo shows originating the role of “Miss Deep South” hit wonder” from the disco zeitgeist of the in New York theatre history. in the hit musical Pageant, co-starring with at the Movies 1980s, will bring her blonde-swept brand Globally, Larry Kramer has received Jim J. Bullock in End of the World Party at of hilarity to the Audrey Herman Spotlight- over 100 productions, in- the 47th Street The- b y Chuck Duncan ers Theatre, 817 Street Paul Street (down- cluding translations into “It’s like I’ve ater, and starring Alfred Hitchcock was known as the master stairs), for a two-night engagement De- French, Greek, Portu- opposite B.D. Wong of suspense because of his career directing cember 28-29. guese, and Spanish. Last caught a fresh in A Language of a long list of thrillers – some serious, some Tawny offers up seasonal songs, spar- summer, the 20th anniver- Their Own at The humorous – that really began in his native kly dresses and wild stories about her sary of Drake’s play re- whiff of that magic Public. England with The Lodger and continued af- globe-trotting adventures. Along with musi- ceived a celebrated revival that has long His television ter his arrival in America with such classics to cal director Dan Noel, Tawny will also wel- in Chicago. appearances includ- his credit as Rebecca, Strangers on a Train, come several surprise guests to perform While an artist-in- swirled in that ed Law & Order, The Shadow of a Doubt, Lifeboat, Spellbound, with her throughout the evening. residence at New York’s tiny, sacred space Beat, New York Un- Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, and Vertigo. Critics love Tawny. “Vivacious, a bit diz- Dance Theater Workshop dercover, Law & Or- Today, Vertigo is considered a classic and zy, and hysterically funny, Drake’s Tawny in 2002, Drake premiered on Street Paul der: Criminal Intent, was recently named the greatest motion pic- has perfectly blended the world of drag, his next autobiographical and most recently ture of all time by Sight & Sound magazine, satire, and theater,” according to Provinc- solo show Son of Drakula, Street.” – David The Good Wife. displacing Citizen Kane for the first time. But etown Magazine. which earned rave reviews Drake David Drake’s in 1959, Vertigo was a massive flop and Hitch A Very Tawny Christmas! is being pre- and toured the world. His feature film credits was desperate to find his next project, some- sented by the Spotlighters Theatre as their latest theatrical creation, include: Jonathan thing smaller, quick and dirty, to help him – annual year-end benefit. The performanc- a forgotten starlet named Tawny Heather- Demme’s Academy Award-winning Phila- and his studio, Paramount – recover from that es begin at 8 p.m., and tickets are $25 ton, has quickly been gathering fans ever delphia, as well as It’s Pat, Naked in New box office disaster. each with proceeds benefitting the ADA since Drake debuted her last February in York, David Searching, Bear City, Long- In the new film Hitchcock, based on the Renovations Project. A light-fare reception My Tawny Valentine at New York’s Laurie time Companion, and in his own adapta- book Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of is included with purchase of a ticket. Beechman Theatre. David will return to tion of The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me “Psycho,” we learn that the next picture Hitch “I am thrilled beyond words to be get- that theater this January for the New York (which was shot on location at the Balti- wants to make is, indeed, Psycho, based on ting back on that old Spotlighters stage,” debut of Tawny, Tell Me True!, which en- more Theatre Project). the novel by Robert Bloch that was in turn in- an enthusiastic David Drake told As a stage director, Drake has devel- spired by the true life case of Ed Gein (who Baltimore OUTloud. “In some oped and directed numerous new solo- was also the inspiration for The Texas Chain- ways, it feels like was a life- shows, including pieces by Kathy Najimy, saw Massacre). No one but Hitch thinks this time ago. I mean, I was only 18 Sherie Rene Scott, and the award-winning is a good idea for a director of his stature to years old when I first performed The Be(a)st of Taylor Mac. Twice a Direct- degrade his reputation by making a tawdry at Spotlighters in Grease. Then ing Fellow at the Sundance Theater Lab, horror film. Paramount head Barney Balaban came George M! and of course, Drake has directed new works in New York (actor Bob’s father) is adamant that the stu- the absolute honor of working at The Public’s “Under the Radar” Festival, dio will not fund such a film, so Hitch and his alongside Audrey Herman her- Joe’s Pub, Rattlestick, Theater for the New agent (Lew Wasserman, who went on to head self in her fabulous production City, and NYC International Fringe Festi- Universal Studios, Hitchcock’s home after his of Hello, Dolly! many moons val. tenure at Paramount ended) concoct a plan to ago. More recently he was a director of the finance the film by mortgaging the Hitchcock “But now, after seeing their world premiere of Taylor Mac’s The Lily’s home, much to the dismay but with grudging wonderful production of Mame Revenge, which made the “10 Best Lists” support from Hitchcock’s wife and creative this month, as well as rehears- in The New Yorker, The New York Post, muse, Alma. ing A Very Tawny Christmas The Advocate, Paper Magazine, and won Like the recent Lincoln, Hitchcock only fo- on those well-trodden boards, a 2010 Village Voice Obie Award. cuses on a small part of the director’s life: the I have to say that I am simply “I am extremely proud to be able to struggle to get Psycho made with opposition aglow all over again – like when bring my latest theatrical creation, Miss from all sides (a recent HBO movie featured I was 18! It’s like I’ve caught a Tawny Heatherton, to the Spotlighters to the making of The Birds and Hitch’s relation- fresh whiff of that magic that has benefit that theatre,” Drake adds. “Tawny ship with star Tippi Hedren, and was a much long swirled in that tiny, sacred may be a slightly tattered and forgotten darker affair). Against all odds, Hitch got his space on Street Paul Street.” starlet, but just like Spotlighters, she’s a film into production with Paramount handling t David Drake, a native of true blue showbiz survivor.” distribution, and seeing these parts of the Edgewood, Maryland, is return- A Very Tawny Christmas runs 75 min- behind-the-scenes drama is very interesting ing to the Spotlighters Theatre utes without an intermission. Tickets for any fan of the actual movie. The rest of for the first time in over 20 are $25 each, available online at Spot- the film focuses on Hitch and Alma’s rocky but years. Starting out local as a lighters.org or by calling 410-752-1225. rock steady relationship – he always feared Reservations strongly recommended. child actor, Drake appeared on David Drake as Tawny Heatherton credit: Steven Weinern —continued on page 22

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 Lively Arts//Out on Stage Photo File Names: David Drake Photo Caption: David Drake as Tawny Heatherton Photo Credit: Steven Weiner Callout: “It’s like I’ve caught a fresh whiff of that magic that has long swirled in that tiny, sacred space on Street Paul Street.” – David Drake AN INTERVIEW WITH MITCH GRASSI OF

A Very Tawny Christmas to Benefit the SpotlightersPENTATONIX

Lively Arts // ART

MIAMI BEACH: That night, I saw Vito Acconci speak at Design Mi- ami but kept getting distracted and leaving to drink cham- pagne in the VIP area which was focused around some The Art World’s Black Friday Audi racecar and chairs inspired by Audi cars and cham- pagne sponsored by Audi. If this were an actual art piece by Michael Farley of Select VIP passes, realizing that I had slept through I think it would send a confusing message about drinking I landed in Miami last Monday with a bag full of press several of Tuesday’s press brunches. and driving. passes and the intention to write some thoughtful art criti- That night I planned on attending the openings in Mid- After Vito Acconci stopped talking and I had a decent cism. The art fair has become a massive event; spin-off town Miami with some fellow MICA alumni. After waiting buzz, Verge fair opened in a cramped hotel. There was shows pepper Dade County, private jets land from all for an hour at the convention center, I found out that the one artist who only painted Lana Del Rey and some kind over the world, and the global art industry descends upon shuttles to the remote fairs would not begin running un- of cake smashing performance art and a dub step pool South Beach. til Thursday. Oops. At that point it was not worth taking party. At this point in the week I had stopped paying atten- I thought about writing on the gross commercialism of a cab across the causeway. I went alone to Design Mi- tion to art. All I knew then was that large fairs served good the event; a veritable orgy of corporate sponsors, greedy ami’s vernissage to drink about a dozen free glasses of champagne and small fairs like this served weird cocktails dealers, Russian oil magnates, trophy wives, and cocaine Perrier-Jouët and look at Corbusier furniture and a house from obscure liquor sponsors. I went back to Lords for yachts. Far too easy of a target. And one that the artists made out of Swarovski crystals. Design Miami is not as another cocktail reception. involved in the spectacle have already nailed. Plane Text, much fun as the art fairs. Art can inspire many emotions By Friday I hated art. I headed to the Pulse afterparty a project in which artists’ messages are flown over Miami beside envy. Design Miami feels like shopping in a store at the Shore Club to see queer dance/punk Ssion play Beach like advertisements, already featured Jack Pier- that sells things you don’t a poolside set. I was able to son’s sentiment “We’re rich – We can do what we want.” even dream of one day cut the line because I came in Nothing I write on the matter can sum it up as eloquently being able to afford. drag and orange face paint. as that. I cheered myself up I realized I had been to this I debated highlighting Miami’s emerging local art by heading to an open hotel bar before and that scene, funded and supported at a level which has helped vodka bar event in the drinks cost $20. I was about the young metropolis play catch-up with more established penthouse of Lords to leave, horrified, when a cities. Institutions woo visitors with lectures by day and South Beach, where gay Dutch gallerist surrounded by lavish parties by night. Groups offer “Weird Miami Tours” a-listers (is gay-listers assistants with the physiques to help visitors see the city beyond the convention center a word yet?) stay and of tennis players offered me a and hotels. Artist Patricia Hernandez hosts “Radio Free- throw parties full of well glass of champagne. And by dom Tower,” broadcast from one of downtown’s most icon- dressed (and sometimes “glass” I mean a champagne ic buildings, offering the Miami art community an opportu- well undressed) beauti- flute that was refilled every nity to coalesce and dialogue in front of an international ful men. This was a re- time I took a sip. I don’t re- audience. It streams at Pattiher.com/radio-freedom-tower ception for Desi Santiago’s installation The Black Lords, member jumping into the pool in my dress, but about 500 But Miami doesn’t need me to be another champion: which transformed the hotel into a kind of anime-inspired art world insiders have the cell phone videos to prove it. it sells itself just fine. I thought humble Baltimore would monster bouncy castle thing. I wasn’t crazy about it. But The next day was the NADA pool party. This pool I like to hear about how our artists fared at the fairs. The the vodka was great. was actually allowed to swim in, but there were float- problem is, I hardly saw their work. Wednesday I unsurprisingly slept through most of Art ing foam cinder blocks and a drag queen lip synching to After navigating a maze of people movers, moving Basel’s official press reception. By the time I got to the Lana Del Rey that kept getting in my way. The number sidewalks, escalators, and busses out of Miami Interna- convention center it was a zoo of critics, art consultants, one thing I learned at Art Basel is that the art world loves tional Airport, I barely had time to drop off my luggage and collectors speeding from gallery to gallery, making of- Lana Del Rey and cinder blocks. Fake cinder blocks, real before heading to Untitled, a new art fair in the heart of fers on everything from Basquiats to a Tracey Emin bath- cinder blocks, paintings of cinder blocks. If you want to Miami’s gay beach. It opened Monday night with a packed tub. The fair is huge, and I was in no condition to attempt make some cool art, write Lana Del Rey lyrics in neon vernissage. In case you don’t know, vernissage is French seeing it all on a brunch-less stomach. paint on a cinder block. I told my liver I would give it a for “varnishing.” In olden days the patron would see an That night, I went to the opening of Aqua, one of my rest, but some friends had a project that was sponsored oil painting completed was when it was being lacquered. favorite fairs in South Beach. Aqua is usually a hotel that by a sangria company and so I ended up helping them Today it means “party to drink champagne.” I think it also wraps around a pleasant courtyard, where rooms-cum- finish off the remaining bottles. Then I ended up drinking has something to do with nail polish. galleries face out onto a walkway. I spotted some paper Dan Deacon’s backstage vodka at a show downtown. By Several pieces at Untitled caught my eye, but before I pieces by Baltimore’s Maya Freelon Asante and kind of three in the morning I was at an afterparty in a bar on the could investigate them I learned of a horrible tragedy. The geeked out standing in line at the bar with Rachel Mad- bottom floor of a parking garage (very Miami) surrounded fair ran out of champagne. My friends and I fled with the dow. Some of my Miami friends couldn’t get in to the party. by New Yorkers and Europeans who obviously were sick throngs of art critics, Swedish billionaires, and plastic sur- Remembering the Select VIP passes, I advised that we of partying but felt compelled to go through the motions: gery enthusiasts in search of alcohol. Alcohol, as it turns head to their preview. Unfortunately, Select had the com- topless girl feebly dancing on table, men listlessly taking out, is what Art Basel really runs on. And more so than mon misfortune of running out of champagne. Devastated, shots, artists and curators half-heartedly networked over wealth, Miami, art, or journalistic integrity; alcohol defined we left and were snuck in the back door of what was either cigarettes; fingers lazily exchanging business cards. my Basel experience. If this article seems disjointed, un- a nightclub or the Bass Museum of Art. I’m not sure but By the time I made it to Art Miami today to see Balti- organized, and directionless, it is because I am operating they at least had drinks. morean Chul Hyun Ahn’s work, Grimaldis Gallery’s booth on a horrible seven-day hangover. Thursday I managed to navigate public transportation was closed because of an electrical fire. I ended up get- After Untitled I received an invitation to the fair Select’s to Pulse fair’s preview brunch (which offered the strangest ting brunch at the legendary drag club Palace Bar. Local “warm-up-party.” I have no idea what the “warm-up-party” Bloody Mary I have ever had) before sharing a $30-plus to queen Missy Meyakie emerged in a somber cloak to lip was supposed to be, but my friends and I were the only the distant NADA fair. synch “it’s not about the money, money, money....” before people there. It cost $25 dollars for all-you-can-drink and Pulse and NADA are consistently two of the highlights transitioning to an upbeat dance number and unveiling a I rationalized that $25 is a cheap bar tab by South Beach of the week, focusing on less established gallery spaces bright unitard with glittery dollar signs. Drinking bottom- standards and that all-I-can-drink is a lot. Too much, as it and riskier artists than the larger fairs. A lot of the trendier less mimosas and watching that reveal was a pretty per- turns out. I woke up on a friend’s floor clutching a stack work seems trivial, but there were gems. fect microcosm of the week. t

16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // imusic

CHRISTMAS: the Rat Pack (Capitol) and Christmas Harmo- nies (Captiol/Brother) by The Beach Boys. If you are able to track down the 2006 edition The Sounds of Christmas With the Rat Pack, you would be wise to purchase it. It contains five more By Gregg Shapiro songs than the 2012 version, including Sinatra Easily the best Christmas album in years Tinsel and Martin performing “A Marshmallow World” and Lights (Merge) by Tracey Thorn (of Every- and “Auld Lang Syne” from The Dean Martin thing But the Girl fame) is the right blend of new Show. In terms of the Beach Boys disc, the and original holiday music alongside classic 2004 Christmas with The Beach Boys disc and modern standards. The aptly titled album has 10 more tracks, including a Brian Wilson opener “Joy” is a glorious expression of the Christmas interview. emotion. The timeless title cut, the album’s oth- The world premiere recording of A Christ- er original composition, is a New York Christ- mas Story, The Musical (Masterworks Broad- mas commemoration about falling in love with way) features a book by Joseph Robinette the holiday again. To Thorn’s credit, she takes and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Jus- marvelous risks on Tinsel and Lights. Did you tin Paul. Based on the popular 1983 hilarious ever expect to hear her singing a show tune, hit film “A Christmas Story,” which in turn was as she does on “Hard Candy Christmas” (from based on Jean Shepherd’s In God We Trust, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”)? Her All Others Pay Cash, this kid’s-eye-view of the excellent taste in song selection continues with holiday is meant for the kid in all of us. “Like A Snowman” by gay singer/songwriter Seventies siren Rita Coolidge celebrates Stephin Merritt (Magnetic Fields and others). the season on A Rita Coolidge Christmas Thorn’s interpretations of Joni Mitchell’s “Riv- (429), featuring a number of holiday standards er,” Randy Newman’s “Snow,” Ron Sexsmith’s as well as the original tune “Circle of Light.” “Maybe This Christmas,” Sufjan Stevens’ The V/A comp Now That’s What I Call Today’s “Sister Winter” and Hugh Martin and Ralph Christmas (EMI/Universal/Sony) collects 18 Blaine’s oft-covered “Have Yourself A Merry tracks by Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Sug- Little Christmas Now,” are all outstanding and arland, Mariah Carey and Carrie Underwood, good enough to listen to all year long. as well as Norah Jones and Coldplay, to men- Christina Perri, best known for the hit tion a few. The multi-member Polyphonic single “Jar of Hearts,” celebrates the season Spree tosses its twisted Santa hat into the ring with her first Christmas EP A Very Merry Perri with Holidaydream: Sounds of the Holidays, Christmas (Atlantic). The disc opens with the Volume One (Good/Kirtland), comprised of a original composition, “Something About De- pair of original instrumentals, as well as almost cember,” co-written with Perri’s brother Nick a dozen Christmas standards. Elvis Presley (of Shinedown) and the EP’s producer David and Luther Vandross are just two of the music Hodges. It’s a sweet tune that has the po- legends who are part of The Classic Christmas tential to become a holiday standard. Perri’s Album series. Vandross’ disc on Epic/Legacy no Karen Carpenter (but then, who is?), but includes the Darlene Love duet on “I Listen To her rendition of “Merry Christmas Darling” is The Bells” and 13 more tracks. “Blue Christ- respectful. Perri illustrates the possible ex- mas” is one of the 17 selection on the Elvis disc. tremes of tinsel tunes by following “Please The cast of Glee and various Nickelodeon Come Home For Christmas” with “Ave Ma- shows enter the festive fray with Glee: The Mu- ria,” and acknowledges the season’s musical sic, The Christmas Album Vol. 3 (Columbia) spectrum with John and Yoko’s “Happy Xmas and Merry Nickmas (Nickelodeon/Columbia). (War Is Over)” and Blaine and Martin’s “Have Both discs are a mixed (Santa’s) bag of holi- Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” day favorites, with the best of being the Nickel- On The Edie Adams Christmas Album odeon cast’s gleeful take on “Sleight Ride” and (Omnivore Recordings), the late singer/ac- “Don’t Be A Jerk (It’s Christmas)” by Sponge- tress Edie Adams can be heard performing Bob SquarePants from the Nickmas disc. more than a dozen Christmas favorite, includ- After making a well-received big-screen ing a few duets with Ernie Kovacs, thanks to comeback in 2011, The Muppets (and the a reissue campaign and an agreement struck people behind them) probably never imagined with the estates of legendary comedian Ko- that they’d be back in the headlines in 2012. vacs and his widow Ms. Adams. But failed Republican presidential candidate The latest reconfigured reissue ofA Char- Willard Mitt Romney heartless plans for PBS lie Brown Christmas (Fantasy) by the Vince (and Sesame Street) shined a bright spotlight Guaraldi Trio has been remastered and ex- on Jim Henson’s legacy. If you’d rather think panded. of the Muppets in happier times, consider the On the subject of reconfigured holiday 20th anniversary Blu-Ray/Digital Copy edition reissues, consider the following advice when of The Muppet Christmas Carol (Disney). Rest it comes to the Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin/ assured that the turkey being served during at Sammy Davia, Jr. compilation Christmas With Christmas dinner won’t be Big Bird. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 quality of life // health & wellnesS // getting unstuck

per watt than incandescent bulbs do.) This of realizing that “off course” is normal. In light source can be purchased as a light both of these cases, it would help if they therapy box, or in the less portable, and could live their lives using the same pro- less expensive, form of two 2-bulb shop Getting cess we use when we’re sailing to Ber- Open Wide lights. Light therapy is simple: sit facing muda. ask Dr Eva the light about an arm’s length away, for Unstuck In my life and career coaching prac- Dr Eva Hersh 20 to 40 minutes, twice a day, with about Gerry Fisher tice, I’ve developed my own metaphor that 12 hours between treatments. Light treat- I use when trying to impress upon clients ment gives the brain a message that the the need to be alert to feedback and to Shorter Days, day length is over 12 hours, which counter- respond in a timely way. You know those acts SAD. It’s the intensity of light, not the The End of rumble strips found in the breakdown lane spectrum, which is the key to treatment. of a highway, the ones that create a rum- Lower Moods Full-spectrum bulbs do not seem to work Resolutions bling sound when your tires pass over any better than fluorescents. them, warning you that you are close to Dear Dr. Eva, Because SAD and the Thanksgiving / The most profound mentor in my life, Den- moving off the highway? I say to my clients Every year, I seem to get depressed Christmas / New Years holidays occur at nis Young, used to share a story with cli- that you want to pay attention to that and and have a big loss of energy as the days the same time of year, SAD can be con- ents when talking about how to reach your move your car back into your lane. Don’t get shorter. It gets harder to get out of bed fused with “holiday blues,” but the two goals. He asked people to think about sail- freak out that you’re out of your lane, and and much harder to deal with people. I cry conditions are not the same. A person with ing to Bermuda. A pleasant thought, isn’t it? don’t ignore the warning. way more easily than normal. A lot of the holiday blues has unhappy or conflicted So, imagine now, getting into your I impress upon my general clientele people I work with also seem to be feel- feelings, or painful memories, about the yacht, moving away from the dock, and mak- that my crisis clients come to me not be- ing bad. Other than move to the Southern holidays, and SAD sufferers do not. In ing your way down the Chesapeake. Let’s cause they veered out of their lane. My hemisphere for the winter, what can I do to holiday blues, there are no hibernation-like imagine it to be beautiful weather. While crisis clients most often have – over keep my mood from falling in the fall? symptoms. t we’re at it, you can imagine being time – ignored the rumble strips, Need to Hibernate Eva Hersh is a Baltimore family physi- with some of your closest friends. driven onto the grass next to cian. Send your comments and questions to Now, you are the person the breakdown lane, driven Dear Bear, her by email at [email protected] who is piloting the yacht, and down an embankment, You have Seasonal Affective Disorder you need to keep an eye on and crashed into a tree af- (SAD), a type of depression that is trig- the compass – let’s leave navi- ter careening through the gered by decreasing sunlight. One in every gation systems and auto-pilot woods for 10 or 20 feet. five people has SAD. It is more common Managing Winter out of the equation for now. Re- The longer you wait to in women than in men, but does occur in Depression / member that, despite the good time adjust to the feedback that life both genders. we’re having, the whole point is for us to is giving you, the longer it’s going to Each person who suffers from SAD has S.A.D end up in Bermuda successfully. Glancing at take to recover from your mistake(s). their own personal pattern of symptoms the compass, you notice that we’re slightly To wrap up this column, I thought I’d and personal timing of when the problem Physical and emotional warmth and off course. As soon as you adjust the steer- share with you My Own Private Bermuda starts and ends, but each person’s pat- comfort are important: stay warm, wear ing, we’re back on course, and you can go – which is not to be confused with My tern repeats in pretty much the same way soft clothes, get massages, and hug back to chatting with your guests. Own Private Idaho! After working so hard every year. Most people with SAD notice your friends often. However, that’s not the only time that the for marriage equality for five months and low feelings and tiredness starting in Octo- Light therapy: sit in front of a bright compass reads “off course.” Virtually every being around many different people inter- ber or November, although for some it can light for at least 20 continuous minutes time you look at the compass during the ested in setting agendas for What To Do start as early as August or as late as De- twice a day, once between 6 and 8 a.m. journey, it shows that we are veering slightly Next, I find myself a bit lost. I’m off course. cember. Most people with SAD will start to and once between 6 and 8 p.m.. away from our destination. The wind, waves, The best way that I can describe it is feel better by March or April. Exercise is a natural antidepres- and currents make it impossible to go in a that, because we’d bonded so much dur- Many SAD symptoms are like other sant. Gentle exercise for at least 20 straight line; the journey is more like a series ing the marriage equality battles, I felt types of depression: low energy, de- minutes four times a week will help of jig-jag lines. Off course slightly…adjust… compelled to listen to others instead of creased ability to concentrate, sad feel- Sleep: It’s helpful to get 30-60 min- off course slightly… adjust. my own sense of what I should be doing. ings, and irritability. SAD is like hibernation utes more sleep nightly than you need And so it goes, as you navigate your It’s as if I was watching the passengers in in some ways: just like bears preparing for in summer, but sleeping more than that way out of the Chesapeake, into the Atlan- my yacht point me in all sorts of different a long winter sleep, people with SAD crave can worsen the problem. tic, and safely into a harbor in Bermuda. directions instead of looking at my boat’s carbohydrates, sleep more, exercise less, Be careful about giving in to food In this metaphorical story, despite the compass. and avoid others. SAD can also lead to cravings-gaining weight may make you fact that we spend virtually all of our sail- It’s a great reminder that, in real life, other symptoms that occur in all forms of feel worse. ing time off course, there’s no need to pan- your compass is your heart and your gut. depression: withdrawal from others, hope- Cut yourself some slack-don’t take ic. It’s normal to be off-course most of the It’s inside of you. It’s not about where you lessness, and loss of enjoyment in one’s on extra projects now, do less where time. However, if you want to reach your have been; it’s about where your heart favorite activities. you can. goals, you need to pay attention regularly and gut tell you to go next. The closer we The most effective treatment for SAD Decrease your work week: during to feedback about how you’re doing by can get to following that “internal naviga- is light therapy. This does not just mean the shortest days, take a day of leave looking at your compass, and you have to tion system,” the happier and more fulfill- turning on all the lights in the house, al- from work every week or two. adjust by turning the boat’s wheel. ing our lives will be. though that can help somewhat. Light If SAD symptoms are still trouble- Back in real life, it can be a great learn- I got away from that way of living for therapy requires a light source producing some despite using these methods, ing experience to notice how many people a while, and it’s time for me to move the t 10,000 lumens, which is the equivalent of discuss the possibility of taking antide- frequently ignore feedback and fail to ad- steering wheel and adjust. four four-foot 40-watt fluorescent bulbs. pressant medication with your doctor. t just. Notice how many perfectionists freak Learn more at BaltimoreLifeCoach- (Fluorescent bulbs put off far more lumens out about having made a mistake instead Gerry.com 18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com Quality of Life // Fit for life // LAW

that makes you busy, you put it there and Same-Sex practical matter, your spouse cannot par- you can figure out how to make time for ticipate in a flexible spending account for yourself. health benefits, as such an account would Fit Does this mean I’m saying on January Marriage: not generate the tax benefits that are the for 1st take action, no! I’m saying take action reason for such an account. right now, get up and get started. January Thinking About If your spouse is a dependent, the tax Life consequences of covering your spouse Joshua H. Buchbinder 1st is arbitrary; it might not happen, there are no guarantees in this world, and the Employee are the same as if the your spouse were only thing that‘s real is right now. If you of the opposite sex. However, it can be wait, you’ll miss it! expected that the employer will require The End of And when your friends ask, “What’s Benefits documentation of the dependency. your resolution?” You can say, “I resolved What rights does my spouse have Resolutions to be the best version of myself and I al- by Carol V. Calhoun if he or she loses coverage under my ready started!” Wait for the silly look to Same-sex marriage is legal in Maryland health plan? The New Year is quickly approaching and disappear from their face before you fully as of 2013. Couples previously married Federal law provides for an opposite- with it the holiday season. It all culminates explain that you’re “On a road to self-im- outside of Maryland or planning marriage sex spouse to have the right to continue with a final countdown at 11:59:50 p.m. on provement that will go on forever and that here, may be asking whether employers health insurance at his or her own ex- December 31st. Immediately after that, you will ultimately be the man or woman will treat them the same as other married pense for 18-36 months if he or she loses 12:00 a.m. January 1st we are supposed that you’ve always wanted to be, that this couples with respect to employee benefits. coverage due to certain events, e.g., job to begin working on becoming better than road has no true beginning until you ac- This article discusses the rules applicable loss by the employee or the couple’s di- we were the year before, at least after the tually start and no true end because you to private (nongovernmental) employers, vorce. While Maryland has its own con- hangover wears off… can always be better!” Now wait for their other than churches. Next issue we’ll dis- tinuation law, it allows for only 12 months Our “New Year’s Resolutions” are next silly face. cuss the rules that apply to other types of of continuation. supposed to be our intention to improve How do you start? Now what? This employers. So bring on the questions! Is my employer required to provide ourselves and start anew. might mean getting up an hour earlier to I work for a private employer which my spouse with rights under my pen- Most people make resolu- workout, or not watching offers health benefits to spouses of em- sion, 401(k), or other retirement plan? tions to lose weight, save “If you’re a some late night crime ployees. Does my employer have to al- No. Federal law requires that a spouse money, eat healthier, be show so you get a full low me to cover my spouse under the be provided with survivor rights under nicer, and such. Diction- fitness enthusiast night’s rest, or making health plan? most retirement plans. However, because ary.com defines a reso- try something your lunches at home so Generally, no. Employee benefits of federal law does not recognize a same- lution as: “The act of re- you not only eat health- private employers are governed by federal sex spouse, these rights are not automati- solving or determining new or get on ier but save money too! law, which does not recognize same-sex cally available to your same-sex spouse. upon an action or course a real program It will start with little ac- marriage. Can I name my same-sex spouse as of action, method, pro- tions that will build and Under what circumstances might my beneficiary under my retirement plan? cedure.” If you ask me, with an actual build. If you’ve never employer allow me to cover my spouse Generally, yes. While a few plans pro- this is a pretty weak way exercised, find a Fit- under the health plan? vide a survivor benefit only if an employee to change yourself or the goal. If you ness Professional and Any rights to spousal health coverage is married, the more modern trend is to way we feel, look, live or have a sweet learn. If you’re a fitness under your employer’s plan would be de- allow an unmarried employee, or an em- act! If the world was built enthusiast try some- pendent on your employer having entered ployee with a same-sex spouse, to name solely on determining and tooth, talk to thing new or get on a into a contract to provide such coverage. anyone as the beneficiary. resolving then we’d still real program with an Typical ways in which this might occur in- If I name my same-sex spouse as be in the dark ages! The a nutritionist actual goal. If you have clude: the beneficiary of my retirement plan, truth is the only way to ef- or registered a sweet tooth, talk to a • Inclusion of same-sex spouses under will he or she have the same rights as fect change in your life is nutritionist or registered the terms of the health plan itself. a spouse? to take charge of it, and dietician about dietician about healthy • A union agreement calling for cover- Typically, no. A married employee take action. options. If you still don’t age of same-sex spouses. normally cannot change the beneficiary Telling yourself and a healthy options.” know what to do, give If my employer covers same-sex to anyone other than the spouse without couple friends that you’re me a call or send me an spouses of employees under its health the spouse’s written consent. However, resolved to go to the gym an extra day a email and I’ll personally help you get on plan, what are the tax consequences to because a same-sex spouse is not recog- week is all well and good, but when it’s the road to success. All of these little ac- me? nized as a spouse, you could name your three months after New Year’s and the tions go a long way to improving the qual- It depends on whether your spouse spouse as your beneficiary initially, but still only form of exercise you’ve done is extra ity of your life. is your “dependent.” To be a dependent, change your beneficiary at a later date. trips to the mall to return crappy gifts and But at the end of the day it’s your life, your spouse must live with you, receive And your spouse would have no right to your idea of eating healthier was switch- whether or not you have to provide for over one-half of his or her financial sup- know about, much less veto, the change. ing your regular caramel latte to a skinny other people, answer to a boss, if you are port from you, and meet certain other If I name my same-sex spouse as the caramel latte, then you’re probably worse old, young, fat or an athlete, it’s your life, tests. beneficiary of my retirement plan, what than you were before. don’t wait for New Year’s to start some- If your spouse is not a dependent, any are the tax consequences? I hate to be that guy, but I hear ob- thing new – start today. t employer-paid premiums for health insur- Taxes on a distribution can be deferred jections and excuses every day. Guess Joshua Buchbinder is a master trainer ance are treated as income to you for tax by rolling the money over to another plan. what, we’re all busy, we all have family at Life Time Fitness in Columbia, Mary- purposes. Any employee-paid premiums Same-sex spouses are more limited than coming to town, and we all have a lot on land, and personal trainer instructor at for your spouse’s health insurance are opposite-sex spouses both in the types of our plate. That’s part of the privilege and Life Time Academy in Loudon, Virginia. made on an after-tax basis, even if premi- plans to which a rollover can be made and joy of living in our society. The best part You can reach him at jbuchbinder@life- ums for your own coverage are made on in the time at which distributions must be t is all of the stuff on your plate, everything timefitness.com or 410-967-9699. a pretax basis. This also means that as a taken. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 QUALITY OF LIFE // The Law and You Celebrate Same-Sex Marriage

biey M ch lle Lanchester Murdock faced attack from Delegate Dwyer, What an awesome feeling to know that we live who proposed legislation to have Murdock im- in a more progressive world today than 1997. peached. Just 15 years ago, the Maryland legislature In addition, let’s celebrate Attorney Gener- did not approve a bill for same-sex marriage. al Doug Gansler’s 2010 opinion that Maryland NOW THAT IT’S LEGAL IN MARYLAND However, on November 6, 2012, Maryland should recognize gay marriages from other joined the progressive ballot pioneers in Maine states. Subsequently – in May, 2012 – Mary- I’M YOUR GRAPHIC DESIGNER and Washington as the first states to approve land decided to recognize out-of-state same- SPECIALIZING IN WEDDING & PARTY INVITATIONS gay marriage by a majority of the voters. sex marriage. Two women who had been mar- The Maryland victory was not won in a ried in California (during the brief period when vacuum. Let’s celebrate all the supporters of that was possible) sought a divorce in Mary- gay marriage who joined the fight. Let’s cel- land in the case of Port v. Owen. The court de- ebrate Richard Baker and James Michael cided that it would recognize legal same-sex McConnell, the first gay couple to demand marriages from other states – and therefore the right to marry by applying for a marriage would hear cases of same-sex divorces. license in Minneapolis in 1970. In 1971, in Finally, let’s salute Maryland Governor WWW.ITSASNAPMD.COM Baker v. Nelson, the highest court of Minne- O’Malley for signing the Civil Marriage Protec- 410. 446. 4292 sota decided that Baker and McConnell could tion Act on March 1, 2012. In the face of major not be married and that marriage would not be opposition, O’Malley stated, “I have concluded granted to people of the same gender. I hope that discriminating against individuals based they chanted victory songs for the people of on their sexual orientation in the context of civil Maryland, Maine, and Washington this past marital rights is unjust. I have also concluded November 6th. that treating the children of families headed by Gay activists everywhere could have same-sex couples with lesser protections un- decided to give up the battle for same-sex der the law than the children of families head- marriage after Bill Clinton denied the federal ed by heterosexual parents, is also unjust.” recognition when he signed the Defense of Come January, 2013, gay marriage will Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996. Yet, due to take effect in Maryland. Still there are many persistent court and legislative battles, gay legal arguments pending regarding whether marriage became legal in the following states: gay marriage in Maryland will have the full and New Year! Massachusetts on May 17, 2004; Connecti- same effect as heterosexual marriage. Federal cut on November 12, 2008; Iowa on April 27, estate tax-deduction benefits are not available 2009; Vermont on September 1, 2009; New to same-sex married couples anywhere in the New Law! Hampshire on January 1, 2010; and New York U.S., including Maryland, yet. Maryland follows on July 24, 2011 and the District of Colum- the federal government when it comes to mat- bia on December 18, 2009. On May 9, 2012, ters of estate taxes. While heterosexual mar- New Life! President Obama became the first sitting U.S. ried couples may enjoy exemption from Mary- president to declare his support of same-sex land estate taxes, same-sex couples may not marriage. receive marital or spousal exemptions when it For All Your Wedding Needs Let’s salute Maryland’s same-sex mar- comes to Maryland estate taxes. Social Secu- riage supporters and activists, including orga- rity benefits are not available to same-sex mar- nizations like the Maryland ACLU and Equal- ried couples in Maryland or anywhere in the ity Maryland, who initiated the first same-sex US, yet. However, judging from the momentum Book Your marriage lawsuit in Maryland, in June, 2004, and progress made since the denial of the first known as Deane et. al. v. Conaway. Likewise, gay marriage case in 1971 in Minnesota and Baltimore Circuit Court Judge M. Brooke Mur- the denial of the first bill for same-sex mar- wedding dock should be recognized for deciding that riage in 1997 in Maryland, it seems that none the Maryland code section 2-201 (which pro- of the battles for same-sex marriage have been Celebration vides that “only a marriage between a man waged in vain. Likewise, it seems that DOMA and a woman is valid in the state”) appeared to will be chipped away in favor of same-sex mar- discriminate against same-sex couples. Judge ried couples over the years. from Start … Murdock decided that that section violated Let’s applaud the majority of Maryland the Maryland Declaration of Rights because voters for approving same-sex marriage. But it “discriminates, based on gender against there remain other crucial marital benefits that to finish a suspect class, and is not narrowly tailored heterosexual couples enjoy but not same-sex to serve any compelling governmental inter- ones. So keep in mind, aluta continua – the ests.” However, by appeal in 2007 in the case struggle continues. t of Conaway v. Deane, the Maryland Court of The author is an attorney with the 903 Dulaney Valley Road · Baltimore, MD 21204 USA Appeals (the state’s highest court) decided Lanchester Law Firm (400 East Pratt Street, that the Maryland Code was not unconstitu- Suite 800, Baltimore, Maryland 21202). You Phone: (410) 321-7400 · [email protected] tional and therefore same-sex couples did not can reach her at [email protected] www.sheratonbaltimorenorth.com/weddings. have the legal right to marry. Notably, Judge or 443-759-3245.

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com Have a Happy Holiday and Warm Holiday Greetings from Richard Pazornik a Wonderful New Year! to all his friends and Family

Brian Hannon 410 925 9330 (cell) • 410 464 5500 (office) PenFed Realty

See you in 2013

Jeffrey Tessmer Happy Holidays Jim mikulaikula 701 s.. BroadwayBroadway from us to you Baltimore, mD 21231 [email protected]@lnf.com [email protected]@lnf.com Office: 410-675-5500 Jim cell: 410-960-2836 Jeffrey cell: 410-218-5235 From our Family to Yours we wish you all a Happy Holiday and a Safe New Year Ron Zimmerman & Steve Jackson Professional & Domestic Partners 30 Plus Years

1234 Light St. ~ Baltimore, MD 21230 ~ 410-752-1050 ~ email [email protected]

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 Hitchcock Makes for a ‘Good Evening’ I would be surprised if Anthony Hopkins did – continued from page 14 not receive an Oscar nomination for his per- Ladies of Illusion formance. Some reviews have said that he she was cheating on him emotionally and sounds nothing like Hitchcock, but from the professionally, while she had good reason to moment he opened his mouth, I was sold. It Ladies of iLLusion be fed up with his continuing infatuations with may not be 100% accurate on the tone, but it’s his often blonde leading ladies. But through it very close, and the make-up is pretty amazing drag show all, they really demonstrated what that mod- as well. Helen Mirren delivers another terrific with ern phrase “you complete me” really means; performance as the fiercely strong and inde- without Alma by his side, polishing his scripts, pendent Alma, although I don’t think the real keeping him and sometimes his actors on Alma was anywhere near as sexy as Mirren. stephanie track, he may not have had the success he Scarlett Johansson does a nice job as Janet had. Leigh, but when she first comes on screen, Micheals The cast of Hitchcock is outstanding, and —continued on page 24 saturday Celebrate Your Wedding in Maryland, & Leave the deceMber 15 Honeymoon Planning to the Professionals … showtime 10:30pm $4 cover New Year’S eve CelebratiON AdvAnce TickeTs $15 ($18 AT The door) • seAfood BuffeT • Prizes Call for LGBT Honeymoon Options! Open Fridays & Saturdays Only 8505 Orchard Rd • Spring Grove, PA 1-717-887-1694 • 8 PM - 2 AM Sarah Kline · [email protected] · www.timefortravelltd.com · 301-627-8890 · 866-259-2066 www.altlandsranch.com

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 Christmas in Cowhide in Charm City

The ShipMates Club of Baltimore kicked off the holiday season in Charm City on Decem- ber 1st with their Daddy Christmas Benefit at the Baltimore Eagle. This annual holiday event has been held by the ShipMates since 1989. This year’s Daddy Christmas was a benefit for Moveable Feast and was quite Christmas a big success! You can’t have a leather event without a Hitchcock Makes for a a festive gathering of Baltimore’s Leather It should be noted that after being for balls to boots raffle and Mr. Maryland Leath- ‘Good Evening’ Community. The Baltimore Eagle was filled sale for many years, the Baltimore Eagle did er 2013 Bob Rose and Mid-Atlantic Leath- – continued from page 22 with laughter, good cheer, twinkling lights, change hands recently. It is currently closed erboy 2012 boy john were happy to get the Christmas trees and leather! Standing in for for renovations and will be reopening soon. I job done. Also this year there were beautiful I saw more Kim Novak than Leigh. Jessica Santa where four hot leather men: Mr. Mary- will keep you posted. hand painted Christmas balls being sold in Biel appears as Vera Miles, but I failed to land Leather 1991 Troy Leonhart (The very The other big Leather Community red velvet boxes with door prize numbers see any resemblance to the real actress. I first man to hold the Mr. Maryland Leather Christmas event took place on Saturday, on the bottom. Who wouldn’t want a win- enjoyed Michael Stuhlbarg (Men in Black 3) title), Mr. Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR 2012 December 8 when the 14th annual “12 ning box? Plus the “12 Days of Christmas” as Wasserman because he had great chem- Sir Ed, the recently sashed Mr. Maryland Days of Christmas” show was held at the is always a wonderful chance to see mem- istry with Hopkins, and an almost unrecogniz- Leather 2013 Bob Rose, and porn star Chris Club Hippo. This Pantheon of Leather Com- bers of my Leather Family who no longer able Toni Collette as Hitch’s faithful assistant Stone. I would gladly be an elf at that North munity Service Award winning event always live in the area, but come back for the big Peggy Robertson. But besides Hopkins and Pole- I’m just saying! My fellow ShipMates brings leather folk from near and far to show. It was also great to see that the New Mirren, I have to rave about James D’Arcy’s really went all out. ShipMate Kenny even Charm City. This year’s show was hosted Jersey Leather Community showed up in performance as Anthony Perkins. He’s only brought a Christmas tree filled with hand- by International Mr. Leather 2009 Jeffrey force. Congratulations to Hooker & Boys for on screen for ten minutes, tops, but I could made leather ornaments complete with the Payne-Roy, Baltimore’s Queen of Comedy another very successful holiday production. not stop thinking about him and wanted to see ShipMates’ logo lighting the top. There were Shawnna Alexander, and Summer Clear- The Hippo was packed. Although the audi- much more. killer Jell-O shots, a silent auction featuring ance (Mr. Maryland Leather 1999). The ence was filled with folks in leather, there Hitchcock may not delve too deeply into the lots of leather and gift certificates from area beneficiaries for the event were AIDS Action seemed to be a lot less leather on stage this life of the director, but it does provide a look into restaurants and bars, a beer bust, a raffle for Baltimore, Spotlighters Theatre, Creative year. I must confess that for the first time in his life during one particular period. Even if you a huge wagon of cheer, and the ever popu- Alliance, and House of Mercy of North Car- over ten years I did not do a number. There don’t know how closely he and Alma worked to- lar porn flea market. Hey, nothing gives you oline. It was another fun show. I particularly were no productions by the ShipMates or gether over the years (she was that proverbial that warm holiday feeling like good old fash- liked Shawnna’s tribute to the Golden Girls. COMMAND this year. Oh well, the 15th an- great woman standing behind a great man), the ion porn. The ShipMates would like to thank It was a riot! Plus everyone always enjoys nual “Twelve Days of Christmas” is sched- film gives you enough of their lives at this time to the Baltimore Eagle staff and all the folks pictures with Santa (Butch Lee Norwood) uled for Saturday, December 14, 2013. The see how they really needed each other. If you’re who came out and made this year’s Daddy and Mrs. Claus (Karen “Ultra” Crecelius). Leather Community has lots of time to re- a fan of Psycho – and if you haven’t seen it, by all hearse. means make the effort (just avoid the horrid re- I have one more leather Christmas event make) – you’ll get a thrill from seeing what went on my holiday list. On Saturday, December in to the making of the film. I personally would 15, from 9-12 the ShipMates will host a like to have seen more, especially considering festive holiday bar night at Leon’s Leather actors were cast as Martin Balsam (Psycho’s Lounge. It should be a blast. You will also Arbogast) and graphic designer Saul Bass, who want to return to the Triple L on New Year’s did the film’s iconic opening titles, but they were Eve to toast in 2013 with the men of COM- nowhere to be seen in the final film (here’s hop- MAND, M.C. You can even start planning ing for a director’s cut or deleted scenes on the your New Year with a Mr. Maryland Leather eventual video release). As it stands, Hitchcock 2013 Bob Rose calendar. Check out Com- portrays its subject, warts and all, through some mandMC.org and order yours today! All pro- rose-colored glasses (whereas HBO’s The Girl ceeds from the calendar benefit Moveable is more of a poison pen letter), but it is all based Feast. There is nothing like Christmas in on facts compiled by author Stephen Rebello the Leather Community! Just check out the through interviews with the man himself and Christmas tree in the cage at the Triple L. I many of those connected to Psycho, and I en- love it! It makes me feel warm all over! t joyed it immensely. t 24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com ASK MAMA

a “pooper” himself! Now you know that I with sex parties and a whole list of poten- Dear Guess Who’s Coming, can’t tell you what to do but I can say this, tial small ones. I think that if you’re not careful, your “Don’t you ever let anyone try and make Number one, how can you really prac- Christmas goose is gonna get cooked! you do something that you don’t want to tice safe sex with all of those moving parts There’s lots of stuff you didn’t tell me so I Ask do, and that’s that!” and dangling participles all over the place? can’t give you a complete answer. The one I don’t like it when anyone tries to use And number two, I don’t know about thing I can say is that holidays, especially ? Mama emotional blackmail you honey but holiday dinners, are never a good time to Mama answers your questions in order to get what “As I see it, there are Mama don’t like to make big, unexpected announcements to they want and that’s share nothing! your family or anyone else’s. Maybe you what’s going on here. two big problems with Mama is gon- and your girlfriend could talk about this Sex Party Do you do ev- sex parties and a whole na send up some some more and come up with another time erything your man prayers for you. for her to come out to her family. Good Blackmail and wants because he list of potential small luck! says it will make him Dear Mama, Xmas Closets “happy”? WTH (that’s ones. Number one, how My girlfriend Dear Mama, What The Hell in text can you really practice wants to take me I met a woman at a party and I really Dear Mama, talk, baby)? home to meet her like her but I found out that she is an exotic My man told me that he wants us to go Assuming that safe sex with all of parents on Christ- dancer. I don’t know if I should pursue this to a sex party! He says that it will spice up your man is over the mas. She wants or not. What do you think? our sex life and be fun. I thought that our age of 21, he’s a those moving parts and to come out of the Dance Fever sex life was pretty spicy, but he says that grown ass man and dangling participles all closet to her fam- he’s a little bored. When I told him that I responsible for his ily at Christmas Dear Dance Fever, didn’t want to go to a sex party, he told me own happiness. I’m over the place?” dinner. Do you like her? Is she nice? Is she to stop being a prude and do it anyway be- gonna stop now be- She says that smart? Does she make you laugh? Can cause it will make him happy. I don’t really cause I’m gettin’ a little steamed just think- our love will give her the courage she you dress her up and take her out in pub- want to go to a sex party but I want to make ing about this situation. needs to tell her family the truth, once and lic? Get the real 411 and write me back my man happy. What should I do? But before I stop writing, let me just say for all. sweetie. t Party Pooper one more thing, even though you didn’t ask The thought of this is making my stom- If you want to ask Mama a question e- my opinion about sex parties, I’m gonna ach hurt. mail her at askmama@baltimoreoutloud. Dear Party Pooper, give is to you anyway. What do you think? com and she will be happy to answer your I say that your man is being a bit of As I see it, there are two big problems Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? question. See you in the paper! BaLTiMore’s onLy Levi LeaTher Bar!

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 14, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY THE QUEST | DECEMBER 8, 2012 | PHOTOS BY STEVE CHARING

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